PhD position Exploring the dynamic cytoplasm and its connection with metabolism

The cellular cytoplasm is a highly crowded environment, with proteins and other biomolecules packed tightly together. This raises an intriguing question: How do vital biomolecular processes continue to function in such a dense environment, where molecules are constantly interacting and might just clump together? The key might lie in the constant energy conversion through metabolism, which might keep molecules in motion. In fact, the cytoplasm is often referred to as ‘active matter,’ and we have recently proposed that metabolism plays an essential role in ‘agitating the cytoplasm’ (https://doi.org/10.15252/msb.202110822).

The challenge is thus to understand how cellular metabolism organizes the structure of the cytoplasm presents, which is an exciting scientific opportunity. This project seeks to combine biochemistry and biophysics to investigate this crucial question. The results could not only advance our understanding of diseases such as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s, but also offer new insights for biotechnology and metabolic engineering.

In this project, you will have the chance to use cutting-edge techniques, including super-resolution microscopy (PALM, Smdm), single-particle tracking, machine learning, and latest state-of-the-art biochemical analysis tools. You will explore how active enzymes drive cytoplasmic motion and how this influences cellular function and life itself.

This is a unique opportunity to embark on a truly fascinating scientific journey. You can shape the direction of the project based on your own expertise and interests. You will be working at the forefront of scientific discovery while receiving strong support from our excellent lab environment.

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative candidate who is eager to contribute to this exciting field of research. If you are passionate about exploring the mysteries of cellular biology, we encourage you to apply!

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 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 centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 4-years PhD position is available at the research group “Molecular Systems Biology” (Prof. Matthias Heinemann) within the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute.

The successful candidate should have

- A Master's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry/biophysics or a related field.
- High motivation in pursuing academic research.
- Effective communication (both written and spoken in English) and collaboration abilities.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- A salary of € 2,901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The 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 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.

Application should include

- Letter of motivation.
- CV (including contact information for at least two academic references).
- Transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degree.

You can submit your application until 17 March 11:59pm / before 18 March 2025 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Applications received before 18 March 2025 will be given full consideration; however, the position will remain open until it is filled. The starting date is between May 1, 2025 and Dec 12, 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We are committed to building a diverse faculty so you are encouraged to apply. Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP), http://nvp-plaza.nl/download/?id=7714 and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers, https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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