PhD Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration

1. Introduction

Are you completing or have you completed a Master's in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field? Are you passionate about science, a critical thinker, and eager to explore molecular mechanisms of motor neurodegenerative diseases? Join us as a PhD candidate!

2. Job description

We are recruiting a PhD candidate who will work independently on mouse genetics projects. Your main project will involve investigating the role of the skeletal muscle in ALS associated with mutations in TDP-43. You will use mouse genetic and viral gene transfer approaches, and evaluate the disease course of model mice using motor behavioural analysis and electromyography (EMG). Furthermore, neuropathological analysis will involve immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), and confocal and super-resolution imaging. You will use state-of-the-art in vivo non-canonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis, as well as molecular biology, biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing, including single-nuclei sequencing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, for example studying the molecular pathogenesis of CMT peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko, Mallik et al, Science, 2021). You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching in Master’s courses, and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students.

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 provide and receive feedback, and keen to engage in scientific discussions.
• You either hold a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology/Neurobiology, 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 labelling of newly synthesised proteins (NCAT), several high-end imaging techniques (confocal and super-resolution microscopy), single-molecule FISH, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Our dynamic and international team currently consists of three postdoctoral researchers, four 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 attend and present your work to various audiences in lab meetings, several institute seminars, and to attend national and international conferences. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, two Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) grants, two grants from the Dutch ALS Association, and grants from the Radala Foundation for ALS Research, AFM, ARSLA, Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). We have several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Science (2), Nature Neuroscience (3), Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications (5), 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 €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• 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 Prof. Erik Storkebaum. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 26 February. Any second interview will take place on Wednesday 12 March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 April 2025.

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.