PhD Candidate in RNA Based Gene Regulation in Bacteria
RNA-RNA interactions play a pivotal role in understanding the complexity of gene regulation within microbial systems. Our lab (www.drna.nl) is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries that govern RNA-based gene regulation and mechanisms. In this project, we aim to develop and apply novel global Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods to illuminate the unseen fundamental aspects of RNA-RNA interactions and their impact on gene regulation.
If the intricate dance of RNA molecules sparks your curiosity, we invite you to join our quest to decode the fundamental truths behind bacterial gene regulation. The position will be supported by a recently awarded NWO-VIDI grant. Our lab is a part of the Microbiology theme at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam. Our state-of-the-art facilities and supportive research community provide an ideal environment for ambitious researchers eager to make an impact.
What are you going to do?
As a PhD candidate in our newly established lab, you will:
- Develop and Apply Novel Techniques: Employ and develop advanced NGS methods to map RNA-RNA interactions, shedding light on their roles in gene regulation.
- Collaborate and Innovate: Work alongside a team of experts in RNA biology, genetics, and bioinformatics. You will have the freedom to propose new ideas, lead projects, and contribute to the lab's direction.
- Professional Development: Complete a PhD thesis within four years. You will take on shared responsibilities, maintain an organized work environment, and keep records of your experiments and data.
- Community and Communication: Present your findings at international scientific meetings and take a leading role in manuscript writing and publication.
- Teaching and Supervision: Contribute to the educational by assisting in teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
- Expand Your Skills: Participate in a variety of courses for professional development offered by our graduate school.
- Contribute to a Vibrant Community: Our lab values an open, positive, and stimulating work environment. You will engage in meetings, social activities, and collaborative projects to enrich your PhD experience.
What do you offer?
You are a person that has:
• a MSc degree in Molecular biology or Biochemistry;
• drive and passion for fundamental research in RNA;
• experience with a wide array of molecular techniques like cloning, Northern/Western blot, qRT-PCR and
NGS library preparation etc.;
• passion to develop new NGS tools in microbes like single-cell RNA-seq;
• ability or interest to perform complex bioinformatic analyses;
• fluent capabilities in English, both written and spoken.
Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on 1 July 2024, for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
Your salary will range between €2,770 in the first year to €3,539 gross per month in the last year of employment, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Amsterdam Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.
Questions?
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:
- Dr. Gaurav Dugar
- g.dugar@uva.nl
About us
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
Application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 12 May 2024. You can apply online by using the link below.
Applications should include the following information (all files should be submitted in one single pdf file):
• a letter of motivation;
• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• the names and contact information of two references (no letters of recommendation are required at this stage)
We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the third week of May 2024.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines)
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but do not yet have all the required experience? Then the UvA encourages you to apply anyway.
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.