PhD in Protein and RNA structural changing during the eukaryotic cell cycle

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD study, starting as soon as possible, in the research group of Prof. Matthias Heinemann, (https://www.heinemannlab.eu) at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute. We have a position as a postdoc in Protein and RNA structural changing during the eukaryotic cell cycle as well: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-02S000987P

The eukaryotic cell cycle is a fascinating research topic. While we know many of the cell biological changes and biochemical control mechanisms, it turns out that there is still so much that we do not understand. For instance, we just recently showed that also metabolism is dynamic during the cell cycle, and a metabolic oscillator might even exert cell cycle control (Papagiannakis et al, 2017, Molecular Cell; Litsios et al, 2019, Nature Cell Biology).

In this project, we will use budding yeast as a model and latest experimental high-throughput methods to map the structural changes of proteins and RNA during the cell cycle. For this, we will make us limited-digestion mass spectrometry (LiP-MS) to determine the cell cycle-dependent changes in protein structures and in vivo structural probing to determine RNA changes. Therefore, we will collaborate with the two labs who have pioneered these techniques. The identified structural changes will provide us clues on how, for instance, our earlier identified metabolic changes might be accomplished in terms of regulation.

The ideal candidate for this project is an experimental biologist with some affinity also for computational analysis of the acquired high-throughput data. For the later, some basic Python (or Matlab) knowledge is beneficial, but not a must. During the project, the candidate will also spend some time in the lab of our collaborators.

Your profile includes:

• a Master degree in (molecular) biology, biochemistry, or systems biology
• excellent command of the English language with strong communication skills
• ability to work efficiently, independently as well as in a team.

We offer an attractive job with (i) newest experimental techniques to map changes in protein / RNA, (ii) nice interactions in a truly interdisciplinary/international lab, (iii) potential to explore totally new science; (iv) lots of freedom to shape the project.

We offer you, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,443 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,122 gross per month in the fourth and final year.
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and participation in a pension scheme for employees
• first, 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 next three years 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.

The conditions of employment: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

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