Postdoctoral Scientist (1.0 FTE)

Faculty of Science

Radboud University and Donders Institute

Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Application deadline: start evaluation applications 15.1.2022, until the position is filled

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 mainly 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axonal degeneration and we are performing a genetic screen to identify genes that are required for axonal maintenance (unpublished). Our team currently consists of three postdocs, three PhD candidates and a technical assistant. 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 and the Dutch ALS Association. 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. We use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including the recently developed in vivo NCAT technique, immunohistochemistry, several high-end imaging techniques, molecular biology and biochemistry. We have state-of-the-art facilities for Drosophila and mouse genetics, histology, imaging, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral scientist you will work independently on one or two Drosophila genetics projects. Possible projects focus on (i) the molecular pathogenesis of CMT peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases, following up on our recently published work (Zuko, Mallik et al, Science, 2021) in which we show that tRNAGly sequestration by CMT-mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetase depletes the cellular tRNAGly pool, leading to ribosome stalling on glycine codons and peripheral neuropathy phenotypes; (ii) a forward genetic screen to identify genes required for maintenance of peripheral motor and sensory axons, or (iii) reverse genetic approaches to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying genetic forms neuromuscular diseases using Drosophila models. 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, but only to a minor extent. In the long run, the development of an independent research project that can be transferred to a future position is possible and encouraged.

What we expect from you

You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented individual with a strong publication record. You hold a PhD in neurobiology and are interested in a scientific career. Previous experience with Drosophila genetics is expected. We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential. You are capable of working in a team as well as independently.

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, based on a positive evaluation and availability of funding.
• excellent personal development opportunities in both scientific and academic career skills;
• you will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service where our Dual Career Officer will assist with family related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.

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.