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

PhD position in Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse

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.

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.

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.