PhD Candidate in RNA Based Gene Regulation in Bacteria

RNA-RNA interactions play a pivotal role in understanding the complexity of gene regulation within microbial systems. Our lab is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries that govern RNA-based gene regulation and mechanisms. In this project, we aim to develop and apply novel global Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods to illuminate the unseen fundamental aspects of RNA-RNA interactions and their impact on gene regulation.

If the intricate dance of RNA molecules sparks your curiosity, we invite you to join our quest to decode the fundamental truths behind bacterial gene regulation. The position will be supported by a recently awarded NWO-VIDI grant. Our lab is a part of the Microbiology theme at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam. Our state-of-the-art facilities and supportive research community provide an ideal environment for ambitious researchers eager to make an impact.

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate in our newly established lab, you will:

• Develop and Apply Novel Techniques: Employ and develop advanced NGS methods to map RNA-RNA interactions, shedding light on their roles in gene regulation.
• Collaborate and Innovate: Work alongside a team of experts in RNA biology, genetics, and bioinformatics. You will have the freedom to propose new ideas, lead projects, and contribute to the lab's direction.
• Professional Development: Complete a PhD thesis within four years. You will take on shared responsibilities, maintain an organized work environment, and keep records of your experiments and data.
• Community and Communication: Present your findings at international scientific meetings and take a leading role in manuscript writing and publication.
• Teaching and Supervision: Contribute to the educational by assisting in teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
• Expand Your Skills: Participate in a variety of courses for professional development offered by our graduate school.
• Contribute to a Vibrant Community: Our lab values an open, positive, and stimulating work environment. You will engage in meetings, social activities, and collaborative projects to enrich your PhD experience.

What do you offer?

You are a person that has:

• a MSc degree in Molecular biology or Biochemistry;
• drive and passion for fundamental research in RNA;
• experience with a wide array of molecular techniques like cloning, Northern/Western blot, qRT-PCR and NGS library preparation etc.;
• passion to develop new NGS tools in microbes like single-cell RNA-seq;
• ability or interest to perform complex bioinformatic analyses;
• fluent capabilities in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on 1 July 2024, for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary will range between €2,770 in the first year to €3,539 gross per month in the last year of employment, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Amsterdam Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.