Job ID: 95503

Postdoctoral Researcher Molecular Mechanisms of Motor Neurodegeneration

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 12 October 2022

Employment Start Date: 1 January 2023

Contract Length: two years, with the intention to extend by another two years

City: Nijmegen

Country: Netherlands

Institution: Donders Institute and Radboud University

Department: Department of Molecular Neurobiology

Description:

Work environment

Within the Department of Molecular Neurobiology, the Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative disorders. We currently focus on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases and on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in FUS. More broadly, we are interested in the role of mRNA translation defects in axonal degeneration. We use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including a recently developed method for in vivo labeling of newly synthesized proteins, several high-end imaging techniques (confocal and super-resolution microscopy), single-molecule FISH, next-generation sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, mouse stereotaxic injections and surgery for implantation of pumps for chronic brain infusion, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Our team currently consists of two postdocs, four PhD candidates and a technical assistant. In addition, we have strong international collaborations with scientists working on RNA biology and genetics. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, and grants from the Radala Foundation for ALS Research, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), AFM, ARSLA, the Dutch ALS Association, ‘Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds’ and the Dutch Research Council NWO. We have several recent papers published in high-impact journals, including Science, Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Acta Neuropathologica, EMBO Journal and Plos Genetics.

Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral scientist you will work independently on mouse genetics projects. One project will investigate the contribution of the skeletal muscle to motor neuron and neuromuscular junction degeneration in ALS associated with mutations in TDP-43, using advanced mouse genetic approaches (conditional transgenic models) in combination with behavioral, electrophysiological, histochemical, imaging, and molecular approaches. The latter include single-nucleus RNA sequencing and single molecule FISH, as well as viral gene transfer approaches. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, e.g. studying the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS-FUS and/or the molecular pathogenesis of CMT associated with mutations in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, both projects following-up on our recent work (Picchiarelli et al, Nat Neurosci, 2019; Zuko, Mallik et al, Science, 2021). You will collaborate with and supervise Master’s students, and in the longer run possibly also PhD students. You will get some exposure to teaching in Master’s courses. In the long run, the development of an independent research project that can be transferred to a future position is possible and highly encouraged.

What we expect from you

You are a highly motivated, passionate, critical, and creative individual with a strong publication record. You are team-oriented, open to provide and receive feedback to/from labmates, and enthusiastic to engage in scientific discussions. You hold a PhD in neurobiology or a related field and are interested in a scientific career. Previous experience with mouse genetics and molecular biology is expected. We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.

What we have to offer

  • employment: 1.0 FTE;
  • in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
  • duration of the initial contract: two years, with the intention to extend by another two years.
  • excellent personal development opportunities in both scientific and academic career skills;
  • you will be able to use of our Dual Career Service. Our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support (e.g. child care) and help your partner prepare for the local labour market.
  • The vibrant international environment of the Donders Institute, which has a long tradition in neuroscience and offers a personal career development plan along with lecture series featuring top-notch speakers as well as several internal seminar series.
  • You will be able to attend a Dutch language course free of charge.

Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Other Information

The Faculty of Science at Radboud University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.

Would you like to know more?

Further information on: Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour

For more information about this vacancy, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Erik Storkebaum, PI and head, Department of Molecular Neurobiology
Telephone: +31 625 76 60 73
E-mail: erik.storkebaum@donders.ru.nl

Are you interested?

Please email your application to Erik Storkebaum (erik.storkebaum@donders.ru.nl). Your application should include (and be limited to) the following attachment(s):

  • Motivation letter (maximum one page)
  • CV
  • Contact details of at least two references

Written applications will be evaluated, and video interviews will be conducted with selected applicants. Finally, a further selection of applicants will be invited for a visit, which will include an introduction to all lab members, one-to-one meetings with lab members, a visit of the laboratory facilities, an interview and a scientific presentation.