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  2. PhD position in Biophysics at the University of Twente

PhD position in Biophysics at the University of Twente

Enhance the understanding of how rare, misfolded proteins escape or evade the protein quality control in protein misfolding and aggregation diseases.
Join our multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente in The Netherlands for an exciting research project. We are looking for a candidate with a background in biophysics.

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    Srirang Manohar
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    Mireille Claessens
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    Sonia García Blanco
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    Pieter Tuchter
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    Monica Morales Masis
  • Hi! Are you my
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    Jennifer Herek
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Marcel Karperien

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 - 40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    15 Dec 2024

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:

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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.

Want to know more?

Blum, C. (Christian)
Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Christian for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the TNW Faculty

Curious about what the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) stands for? Check out the Science and Technology website for more information.

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