PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse

Join us in unravelling the complexities of the brain by cryo-EM/ET imaging of reconstituted synapses

Job description

A 4-year position is available for a PhD candidate in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the underlying structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, we take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly: we will reconstitute minimal, well-controlled synaptic contacts and subject them to detailed structural characterization using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy methods.

Specific objectives are:

• Setting up cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for reconstituted synapses
• Visualize nanoscale architecture of reconstituted synapses
• High-resolution structure determination of synaptic CAM pairs
• Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons

The successful applicant will be the driver of the project and aim for detailed structural characterization of synapse assembly with a bottom-up approach. State-of-the-art equipment, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture facilities are available in our department.

We are an international team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher that is willing to take on new challenges. The candidate has a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or related field. The ideal applicant has experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a strong plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Relocation support

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Principal Investigator, via D.H.M.Meijer@tudelft.nl.