... Faculty of Science and... ... University of... The Molecular Systems Biology group at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) has an opening for an...
Faculty of Science and Engineering
OrganisationUniversity 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).
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
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 employmentContract 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.Vul in waar je vergelijkbare vacatures zoekt en vergeet je e-mailadres niet!
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