Advance understanding of onset and spread of Parkinson’s disease using innovative cell studies and advanced microscopy; join our multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, The Netherlands for an exciting project. Ideal candidates have a Master's in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology or a related field, with a passion for biomolecule research and an interest in innovative microscopy.

Join the NBP group, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, where physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine converge. We are dedicated to understanding intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their roles in biological processes. Our focus is on the study of IDPs in the context of Parkinson's disease, using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and professional working environment, encouraging interactions among our diverse team members, including PhD students, research technicians, and principal investigators.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), often associated with a-synuclein (aS) pathology, is not typically familial, suggesting non-genetic factors in its development. Epidemiological studies hint at external factors like virus infections and exposure to certain chemicals as potential risks. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these correlations remain elusive.

This project seeks to establish a molecular link between risk factors and the initiation of aS aggregation and the spread of the pathology from cell to cell in neuronal cell models. Building on recent discoveries, we aim to explore how a singular event, such as exposure to virus proteins, can trigger aS aggregation. Using cutting-edge microscopy and spectroscopy, we will investigate this initial trigger and its cascading effects, potentially offering new insights into PD development and intervention strategies.

We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field. The ideal candidate should have:

• An enthusiastic and highly motivated research attitude
• A deep interest in cell biology, biomolecules, and molecular disease aspects.
• Prior experience or strong enthusiasm for working with cells, proteins and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with microscopy / spectroscopy techniques

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.