We are looking for talented and enthusiastic molecular biologists or biochemists for a fully funded 4-year PhD position. The PhD candidates for this project will be working at the RNA Folding Dynamics group led by Dr Danny Incarnato, which is embedded in the GBB Molecular Genetics research unit that is headed by Prof. Oscar Kuipers.

PhD candidates will receive excellent training through cutting-edge research projects, advanced courses and training opportunities, complemented by workshops on generic research, transferable skills and teaching. As a PhD candidate, you are committed to conduct independent and original scientific research, to report on this research in international publications and presentations, and to present the results of the research in a PhD dissertation, to be completed within 4 years. PhD candidates are expected to contribute 10% of their overall workload to teaching.

The successful applicants each will work on a multidisciplinary project aimed at understanding the mechanistic principles that define in vivo RNA structure formation. Particularly, they will:

• study the role of different factors, such as macromolecular crowding, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs), in regulating RNA folding (and their crosstalk)
• develop novel approaches for the accurate interrogation on a transcriptome-wide scale of RNA structures and PTMs
• integrate the wet-lab work with a substantial component of bioinformatics analyses (and developing novel analysis tools where needed).

The Incarnato group uses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular models and exploits (or develops where needed) cutting-edge Next-Generation Sequencing approaches (Incarnato et al., 2017 [PMID: 28934475]; Incarnato et al., 2017 [PMID: 28180324]; Incarnato et al., 2014 [PMID: 25323333]) and bioinformatics analysis tools (Incarnato et al., 2018 [PMID: 29893890]; Incarnato et al., 2016 [PMID: 26487736]; Incarnato et al., 2013 [PMID: 23863844]), complemented by traditional molecular genetics and biochemistry techniques.

The ideal candidates must be highly motivated, hardworking, ambitious, creative, and really enthusiastic about RNA and also interested in doing both wet-lab experiments complemented with bioinformatics. They will have the following required qualifications:

• MSc degree with specialization in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines
• experience with experimental molecular research
• excellent command of the English language
• ability to work independently and in a team.

Preferred:
• experience on RNA biology and Next-Generation Sequencing
• knowledge of UNIX/Linux computing environments and of a programming language (Perl, Python, Ruby, C++).

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,325 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 2,972 gross per month in the final year (salary scale Dutch Universities), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE) excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end of the year bonus.

The position offered is for four years. Each successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of the Faculty.

The preferred starting date is 1 April 2019

Application
You may apply for this position until 30 January 23:59 h / before 31 January 2019 Dutch local time by means of the online application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Applications for the position should include (as a single PDF file):
• cover letter with background and motivation to apply for this position
• curriculum vitae, including details of bachelor and master degrees, labwork experience and a publication list, if applicable
• detailed (1-2 pages) description of previous research experience, such as the bachelor/master research projects
• contact details of 2 academic references who can provide information on your suitability for the position.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in February 2019 in Groningen.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

The Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB – www.rug.nl/gbb), one of the larger institutes of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), provides an excellent environment for top-notch research in the field of biomolecular sciences. Twelve vibrant research groups with strong roots in biophysics, biochemistry & molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, computational biology, microbiology or genetics are organized in two focal areas: ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes’ and ‘Physiology and Systems Biology’.