PhD position in Biophysics at the University of Twente

Job description

Join the NBP group, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, where physics, chemistry and biology 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 neurodegenerative diseases, 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.

Background and project aim:

Protein misfolding plays a significant role in many diseases. This includes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. The process of protein misfolding and aggregation typically starts with rare events in which misfolded proteins evade the protein quality control mechanisms.

The objective of this project is to identify and characterize such rare events and to study why certain events evade protein quality control or why the protein quality control cannot revert this event. This project will investigate how these protein misfolding and aggregation events are influenced by the biochemical and physicochemical properties, and whether these properties are altered by factors such as disease-related mutations, post-translational modifications or errors in the quality control system.

To address these questions, this project will strongly rely on advanced (single molecule) fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy approaches such as sm-FRET, TCCD, sm-burst analysis, FCS. Additionally biophysical methods and biochemical approaches will be used.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with a MSc degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry who has experience in studying biomacromolecules.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Experience with (single molecule) microscopy / spectroscopy techniques.
• In interest in molecular sciences.
• An enthusiastic and highly motivated research attitude.

Our offer

• 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 € 2872,- (first year) to €3670,- (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.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15 December 2024, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, names of potential references, and, if applicable, a list of publications.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 7, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.