Are you a scientist with a PhD degree in a biology- or neuroscience-related field? And would you like to delve into how synapses are formed, function and can be maintained? Then you have a part to play as a postdoc. Join our green campus and internationally-friendly environment where you can put your ideas to the test and push your boundaries.
We are recruiting for an ERC-funded postdoctoral researcher to investigate the dynamics, composition and function of the neuronal/synaptic endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER tubules serve important functions in regulating membrane proteins, lipids and Ca2+ levels. Despite the importance of this huge organelle and its involvement in a range of neurodegenerative diseases, we know little about how the tubular ER contributes to neuron development and neurotransmission.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will work independently on one or two projects related to synaptic organelle dynamics and function. You will collaborate with and supervise Master's students and possibly PhD candidates. There will be some exposure to teaching, but only to a minor extent. In the long run, the development of an independent research project that can be transferred to a future position is possible and encouraged.

• You have a PhD in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, biomedical sciences or a related discipline and have a strong track record of accomplishment. 
• You have experience in molecular biology (cloning, etc.) and cell culture.
• Experience in microscopic imaging techniques (e.g. high-resolution light or electron microscopy) is a plus.
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.
• You are a team player (team work is essential to our collective success!).

Fixed-term contract: It concerns a temporary employment for 4 years.

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €2,960 and a maximum of €4,670 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 10).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• It concerns a temporary employment for 4 years.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

At the Kuijpers lab, we are fascinated by how synapses are formed, function and can be maintained. Our main interest is to understand the molecular events that underlie these processes, particularly the contribution of the endoplasmic reticulum. 
Within the Department of Molecular Neurobiology, the Kuijpers laboratory aims to understand how intracellular organelles affect neuron and synapse development and function. Marijn Kuijpers is a junior group leader known for her work on neuronal membrane trafficking and autophagy (recent publications: Kuijpers et al (2021) Neuron 109,299-313; doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2020.10.005, Kuijpers (2022) Neuronal Signal 6; doi.org/10.1042/NS20210063). We recently acquired substantial third-party funding from the European Research Council (ERC) and the German National Funding Agency (DFG) and are therefore in the process of hiring PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and a research technician. The research group is part of the Donders Institute, a world-class neuroscience institute with a lively and interactive culture.


Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!