Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Virology

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic research team as part of a recently funded ERC Starting Grant project, PicAAA, awarded to Dr Daniel Hurdiss. This project is focused on deciphering the role of virally encoded AAA+ ATPases in the replication cycles of Enteroviruses and Noroviruses. The successful candidate will utilise cutting-edge techniques, including single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and in situ tomography, to investigate the structure, function, and inhibition of these important viral pathogens.

Your job

Despite their relatively simple makeup, small RNA viruses can completely rewire our cells during infection, transforming them into viral replication factories. Within these replication sites, viral proteins and hijacked cellular proteins form replication complexes that serve as platforms for the assembly of new virus particles. However, a detailed understanding of what these replication complexes look like is lacking, in part due to the difficulty of purifying these complexes. An alternative possibility is to study these complexes inside the infected cell, but the small size of these complexes makes this a challenging prospect.

You will study critical components of the viral replication machinery, with a particular focus on Noroviruses. This ERC project will allow us to journey inside infected cells, and catch a glimpse at how viruses are built. Together with the other team members, you will develop ways to assemble components of the replication machinery, and also develop new methods to locate these virus assembly sites within the context of infected cells. Finally, you will play a role in the development of molecules that interfere with components of the Norovirus replication machinery.

Your key responsibilities include:

• conducting cryo-EM experiments to visualise the structure of viral AAA+ ATPases at high resolution;
• performing in situ tomography to study viral replication processes within infected cells;
• analysing and interpreting data generated from cryo-EM and tomography studies;
• collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of molecular virologists and other scientists to integrate findings into broader research projects;
• publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences;
• mentoring Master's students and contributing to the academic community within the institution.

Your qualities

• A PhD in Structural Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, or a related field with an excellent track record;
• a proven record of cryo-EM map/structure depositions and peer-reviewed publications;
• experience with single-particle cryo-EM and/or electron tomography, including hands-on experience in TEM operation (Tecnai T12, Glacios, Talos Arctica, Titan Krios) and data acquisition (EPU/SerialEM);
• strong expertise in various cryo-EM image processing and model building/analysis software (e.g., Relion, CryoSPARC, ChimeraX, ISOLDE, COOT, Phenix);
• prior experience with in situ cryo-ET is a plus, and a strong desire to learn this methodology is essential;
• a background in virology, particularly picornaviruses, is a plus;
• excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively;
• a team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• strong written and verbal communication skills.

Our offer

• A one-year contract with the possibility of extension up to three years following satisfactory performance;
• a working week of 32 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible employment conditions based on the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities.