PhD position in Biophysics at the University of Twente

Join the NBP group, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, where physics, chemistry and biology converge. We are dedicated to understanding intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their roles in biological processes. Our focus is on the study of IDPs in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and professional working environment, encouraging interactions among our diverse team members, including PhD students, research technicians, and principal investigators.

Background and project aim:
Protein misfolding plays a significant role in many diseases. This includes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. The process of protein misfolding and aggregation typically starts with rare events in which misfolded proteins evade the protein quality control mechanisms.

The objective of this project is to identify and characterize such rare events and to study why certain events evade protein quality control or why the protein quality control cannot revert this event. This project will investigate how these protein misfolding and aggregation events are influenced by the biochemical and physicochemical properties, and whether these properties are altered by factors such as disease-related mutations, post-translational modifications or errors in the quality control system.

To address these questions, this project will strongly rely on advanced (single molecule) fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy approaches such as sm-FRET, TCCD, sm-burst analysis, FCS. Additionally biophysical methods and biochemical approaches will be used.

Requirements:

We are looking for a candidate with a MSc degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry who has experience in studying biomacromolecules.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Experience with (single molecule) microscopy / spectroscopy techniques.
• In interest in molecular sciences.
• An enthusiastic and highly motivated research attitude.

Salary Benefits:

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2872,- (first year) to €3670,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

38 - 40 hours per week

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