PhD Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration

Are you completing or have you completed a Master's in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field? Are you passionate about science, a critical thinker, and eager to explore molecular mechanisms of motor neurodegenerative diseases? Join us as a PhD candidate!

We are recruiting a PhD candidate who will work independently on mouse genetics projects. Your main project will involve investigating the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS associated with mutations in TDP-43. You will use mouse genetic and viral gene transfer approaches, and evaluate the disease course of model mice using motor behavioural analysis and electromyography (EMG). Furthermore, neuropathological analysis will involve immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), and confocal and super-resolution imaging. You will use state-of-the-art in vivo non-canonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis, as well as molecular biology, biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing, including single-nuclei sequencing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, for example studying the molecular pathogenesis of CMT peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko, Mallik et al, Science, 2021). You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching in Master’s courses, and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students.

Profile

• You are a highly motivated, passionate, critical, and creative individual who wants to grow as a scientist.
• You are team-oriented, open to provide and receive feedback, and keen to engage in scientific discussions.
• You either hold a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology/Neurobiology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field, or are close to obtaining one.
• Previous experience with mouse genetics and molecular biology is a plus.
• You have permission to work with mice (Article 9 – FELASA B).
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.

We are

The Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Our current focus is on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases and on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in FUS and TDP-43. More broadly, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration, with a focus on the role of mRNA translation defects. We use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including a recently developed method for cell-type-specific in vivo labelling of newly synthesised proteins (NCAT), several high-end imaging techniques (confocal and super-resolution microscopy), single-molecule FISH, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Our dynamic and international team currently consists of three postdoctoral researchers, four PhD candidates and two technical assistants. In addition, we have strong local, national and international collaborations with scientists working on RNA biology and genetics. You will have the opportunity to attend and present your work to various audiences in lab meetings, several institute seminars, and to attend national and international conferences. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, two Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) grants, two grants from the Dutch ALS Association, and grants from the Radala Foundation for ALS Research, AFM, ARSLA, Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). We have several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Science (2), Nature Neuroscience (3), Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications (5), Acta Neuropathologica (2), and EMBO Journal.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 from the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 daysof annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.