PhD in Fungal Pathogens Biology, Microscopy and Bioinformatics

Are you looking for a PhD position at the intersection between medical microbiology, fluorescence microscopy and technology development? Do you enjoy developing new methods and performing microscopy, quantitative biology and bioinformatics? The Tutucci group (A-Life & AIMMS, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) in Amsterdam, NL is accepting applications for a 4 years fully-funded PhD position starting at the latest on November 1st 2024. Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).

Your duties

• you develop and perform RNA sequencing on C. albicans and A. fumigatus to identify tip-localized mRNAs
• you develop and perform single molecule RNA FISH and multiplexed RNA FISH on C. albicans and A. fumigatus
• you develop imaging analysis pipelines (Phython/R/Matlab) to analyze and quantify single molecule RNA imaging data
• you develop imaging and quantification approaches to measure the ability of C. albicans and A. fumigatus mRNA localization mutants to infect host cells (e.g. lung epithelial cells)
• you communicate your research at local and international conferences
• you are actively involved in the research and bioinformatics analysis
• you publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and a PhD dissertation

Requirements:

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that

• you have a MSc or equivalent degree in Molecular biology, Biophysics, Microbiology or a related field, with a strong interest in microscopy and data analysis
• you have experience with imaging analysis and programming software such as Python/R studio/MATLAB
• you have excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English

Experience with fungal pathogens and mammalian cell cultures is preferred, but any experience in microbiology and living systems is also appropriate. Prior experience with advanced microscopy techniques, including the use of fluorescence wide-field and confocal microscopy is an advantage.

Salary Benefits:

The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,770 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,539 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• child day-care facilities available on campus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Application
Are you interested in this position? Applicants are requested to respond before the deadline: July 15th 2024 at 23:59, via the application button and by uploading the following documents:

• a letter in which they describe their abilities and motivation
• a detailed curriculum vitae with two or three references including their emails, phone numbers and their relationship to you
• a list of grades, TOEFL and/or IETLS scores (applied to non-native English speakers).
• If available, a sample of a written report in English
• Please mention the vacancy number in the header of all your documents.

De Boelelaan 1108