PhD position: Protein sensors and artificial cells

Cells are crowded with biomolecules, which could affect protein behavior through macromolecular crowding. Crowding depends on stress and cell type and, therefore, its consequences will vary. This makes it pertinent to determine intracellular crowding in different (disease) states and identify its potentially toxic consequences.

Your job

As PhD candidate in this project, you will aim to develop better tools to measure crowding and its consequences. We are experts in sensor development, providing you with an ideal springboard and environment. Your sensors will be used in collaborations, thus finding immediate application. To understand the observations in living cells, you will make artificial cells using microfluidics. Here, you can build on our previous work on making artificial cells with high crowding, but you can also use your own creativity. You will do a detailed analysis of your probes in artificial cells with fluorescence microscopy techniques such as FRET-FLIM to better understand how crowding and its consequences correlate.

Your qualities

This PhD position may be the right fit for you, if you recognize yourself in several or all of the following:

• You have a Master’s degree in biochemistry, protein engineering, biophysics, biomedical engineering, or related sciences.
• You are open to learning new skills and techniques, such as advanced fluorescence microscopy, biophysical measurements, and microfluidics.
• You are creative, pragmatic, and comfortable with different research disciplines.
• You have a collaborative nature and ability to work in a team on a project.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this total period
• a working week of 36 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the 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 terms of employment based on the CAO NU.