PhD Molecular Genetics

Job description

You will be part of an enthusiastic team of technicians, fellow PhD students and post-doctoral fellows that work together on closely associated topics. With colleagues in the EU and the North America, the team aims to improve our understanding of the molecular processes of hepatic and plasma lipid and lipoprotein homeostasis. To this purpose, we use combinations of cellular and experimental mouse models that are generated by e.g., somatic gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9) or gene silencing (siRNA). The tools used for the characterization of our models include the use of (immune) transmission electron and immunofluorescence microscopy, live cell imaging, RNAseq, proteomics, and basic and high-end molecular biology techniques.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious PhD candidate who is interested in being part of our team to improve our understanding of the biogenesis and secretion of hepatic lipoproteins (VLDL) with the ultimate aim to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. As a PhD student you will design and conduct molecular studies with cultured cell and experimental mouse models that have been or will be generated to address specific hypotheses.

Working environment

Our team is part of the Department of Pediatrics of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) which brings together a wealth of expertise and know-how in experimental metabolic research (including lipid, glucose, energy and bile acid metabolism) with seven principal investigators. Your daily supervisors, Bart van de Sluis and Jan Albert Kuivenhoven, have the expertise in molecular genetics and cellular biology in the field of cardiometabolic disease. The UMCG is located in Groningen, a vibrant student town in the northern Netherlands. PhD students are enrolled in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences of the University of Groningen.

What do we need

• You have an MSc in either (molecular) biology, genetics, and/or (bio)chemistry.
• You have affinity to perfom studies with experimental mouse models.
• You have solid experience with cell biological, molecular and/or biochemical techniques.
• You are team-oriented, highly motivated, self-driven, and proficient in written and spoken English.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.
In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

What do we offer

You will be part of an exciting research project, embedded in a large and highly stimulating research team with many international collaborators. You will get excellent supervision, training, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. Besides a stimulating international research environment, you will receive a competitive salary.
It concerns a full-time appointment (36 hours a week) for a period of 4 years to be concluded with a PhD examination. After one year, the performance of the candidate will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to expect a successful completion of the PhD thesis within this four-year project.

Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.789,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.536,- gross per month (scale PhD) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). O-UMC).

For questions about the position

Not your vacancy?