PostDoc - Hubrecht Institute - Utrecht

Maintaining the integrity of our genome is essential to preventing genetic diseases such as cancer. While it is well known that DNA damage can compromise this integrity, recent research shows that the DNA molecule itself can also pose a major threat. DNA can fold into unusual configurations, such as G-quadruplexes, which can obstruct DNA replication and trigger genome instability. Our team and others have recently made significant progress in understanding how these structures are regulated. However, mechanisms that regulate other abundant alternative DNA conformations, including hairpins, cruciforms, and triplexes, remain poorly understood. In this project, we aim to uncover new molecular pathways that resolve these structures.

Using the powerful Xenopus egg extract system, we will dissect the mechanisms that unfold these alternative DNA structures and identify the proteins involved. Our approach will combine this state-of-the-art biochemistry with cell biology, mass spectrometry, and high-throughput sequencing to reveal how these structures influence cells and genomes.

This is an opportunity to join a team at the forefront of genome maintenance research and contribute to discoveries with potential impact on our understanding of neurological disorders and cancer. Our institute offers a highly collaborative, ambitious, and supportive research environment with access to excellent facilities and expertise.

We seek a highly motivated and independent scientist with a PhD, a strong collaborative spirit, and a passion for working in an international research environment. A solid background in protein biochemistry is essential and experience in cell biology or bioinformatics will be considered an advantage.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 4.414,- and the maximum salary is € 5.538,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park 'De Uithof'. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.