PhD Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

1. Introduction

Driven by science and eager to advance neurobiological research? With a Master’s in Molecular (Neuro)biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related field, you can play a key role as a PhD candidate studying neurodegenerative disease.

2. Job description

We are recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects. Your first project will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell type specificity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases. This peripheral neuropathy is characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons.

You will have the opportunity to integrate different techniques and analyze data sets to understand which unique properties of motor and sensory neurons make them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. You will use viral gene transfer, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, proteomics approaches, as well as immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and confocal imaging. Furthermore, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis.

In addition, you will be involved in other ongoing projects in the lab. For one of them, we are developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko et al, Science, 2021; Mora et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2025). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a new project studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration.

You will closely collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching (10%), and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

3. Profile

• You are a highly motivated, passionate, critical and creative individual who wants to grow as a scientist.
• You are team-oriented, open to providing and receiving feedback, and keen to engage in scientific discussions.
• You either hold a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Molecular (Neuro)biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field, or are close to obtaining one.
• Previous experience with mouse genetics and molecular biology is a plus.
• You have permission to work with mice (Article 9 – FELASA B).
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.      

4. We are

The Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Our current focus is on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases and on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in FUS and TDP-43. More broadly, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration, with a focus on the role of mRNA translation defects. We use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including a recently developed method for cell-type-specific in vivo labeling of newly synthesized proteins (NCAT), several high-end imaging techniques (confocal and super-resolution microscopy), single-molecule FISH, viral gene transfer, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Our dynamic international team currently consists of four postdoctoral researchers, three PhD candidates and two technical assistants. In addition, we have strong local, national and international collaborations with scientists working on RNA biology and genetics. You will have the opportunity to present your work to various audiences in lab meetings and several institute seminars and to attend international conferences. We attracted substantial external funding, including ERC consolidator and proof-of-concept grants, two Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) grants, two grants from the Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, two grants from the Dutch ALS Association, and grants from the Radala Foundation for ALS Research, Health Holland, Biotech Booster and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). We have several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Science (2), Nature Neuroscience (3), Nucleic Acids Research, Nature Communications (5), Journal of Cell Biology, Acta Neuropathologica (2), and EMBO Journal.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Erik Storkebaum. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 10 March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 June 2026 or later upon mutual agreement.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.