PhD position 1 Systems Biology (1.0 FTE) in Groningen

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

University of Groningen

The Molecular Systems Biology group at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) has an opening for an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate. The University of Groningen, located in the north of the Netherlands, enjoys an international reputation as one of the oldest and leading research universities in Europe (position at rank 80 (worldwide) in the recent Times Higher Education Ranking).

The Molecular Systems Biology group aims at generating a systems-level understanding about the functioning of metabolism (Prof Matthias Heinemann) and of growth regulation by TOR in budding yeast (Dr Andreas Milias-Argeitis). Towards these goals, the group members combine classical and systems biology approaches exploiting latest state-of-the-art single cell technologies (such as microfluidics and optogenetics).

Job description

Development and validation of a TORC1 biosensor for Saccharomyces cerevisiae The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is a kinase with high medical relevance. In budding yeast, TOR Complex 1 (TORC1) is the major regulator protein synthesis and the key coordinator of cell growth. A major roadblock in the field is the fact that we are still unable to measure TORC1 activity in single cells. In this project, we aim to develop a molecular FRET-based TORC1 biosensor that is suitable for real-time monitoring of TORC1 activity via microscopy. The sensor will be used to follow TORC1 activity dynamics upon nutrient switches. This project will be co-supervised with Prof Kathrin Thedieck (University Medical Center Groningen).
Tools and methods: yeast genetic engineering, fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics.

Advisors: Dr Milias-Argeitis, Prof Kathrin Thedieck

Together, the members of the international and interdisciplinary team (i.e. PhD students and postdocs with backgrounds in biology, engineering, physics and mathematics) create an inspiring research atmosphere, on whose ground we recently published a number of high profile stories:

Dr Andreas Milias-Argeitis:
• Rullan et al. (2018) An optogenetic platform for real-time, single-cell interrogation of stochastic transcription regulation. Mol Cell. (to appear)
• Milias-Argeitis et al. (2016) Automated optogenetic feedback control for precise and robust regulation of gene expression and cell growth. Nat Communications 7: 12546
• Milias-Argeitis et al. (2016) Elucidation of genetic interactions in the yeast GATA-factor network using Bayesian model selection. PLoS Comp Biol. 12(3): e1004784

Requirements

Excellent and highly motivated candidates should have a background in either biochemistry, structural biology or molecular biology. Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy is a plus. The candidates should have good command of English (oral and written) and possess excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,222 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month in the final year (salary scale Dutch Universities), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE), excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end of the year bonus.
The position offered is for four years. Each successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty. The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

Application
You may apply for this position until 15 May 2018 23.59h / before 16 May 2018 Dutch local time, by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application should contain:
1. a CV (CV attachment)
2. information about grades and other measures of success (extra attachment)
3. two letters of recommendation (these can also be emailed directly to a.milias.argeitis@rug.nl)
4. a statement on how the candidate’s prior experience/expertise could be connected to one of the above mentioned project (letter of motivation attachment).

Start date: as soon as possible

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information