PhD Position: Single Molecule Biophysics

PhD Position:
Single Molecule Biophysics

Are you curious about how proteins influence the mechanical properties of DNA? And do you enjoy research at the single-molecule level to answer fundamental questions in biology? Then this may be the opportunity you are looking for!

The precise packaging of DNA by structural proteins is fundamental to maintaining genome integrity and regulating cellular function. These structural proteins govern the physical topology of the genome, translating molecular-level interactions into the large-scale architecture required for living cells. Disruptions in these structural processes are often linked to severe genetic disorders and cancer, underscoring the importance of understanding their mechanics. Our lab employs single-molecule biophysics to investigate the fundamental properties of protein-DNA interactions.

In this project, you will use optical tweezers to probe the dynamics and force-responses of structural proteins at the single-molecule level. The goal is to uncover the physical principles that drive DNA organisation and how their dysfunction contributes to disease.

We are seeking a scientist with a strong interest in chromatin biology who is eager to engage in multidisciplinary research. You will join the Chromatin Biophysics group at the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences under the supervision of Dr Jorine Eeftens. You will work closely with fellow group members in a multidisciplinary team, ranging from physicists to medical biologists. Our group maintains strong connections with the Institute for Molecules and Materials, providing ample opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the institutes and with external partners.

You will assist in interdisciplinary teaching, with a teaching load up to 10% of your working time.

At Radboud University, we offer opportunities to learn from peers and mentors while focusing on expanding expertise.

Does this sound like you?

• You have an MSc degree in Molecular Sciences, Biophysics, Nanobiology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• You are eager to expand your skills by working in an interdisciplinary field and team.
• You have excellent communication and writing skills (in English).
• It would be advantageous if you have experience with optical tweezers and/or chromatin biology.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5-year contract - 1.0 FTE 4-year contract) 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) or 3.5 years (5-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 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 receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Radboud University’s employment conditions reflect good employment practices. You can make arrangements for work-life balance with flexible hours, various leave options and working from home. You may choose parts of your employment conditions yourself, for example exchanging income for extra leave days and receiving a reimbursement for sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on sports and cultural activities as an employee, and we offer a good pension plan.

We provide training and development schemes to help you grow your talents and realise your ambitions.

The Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) is a leading interfaculty research institute of the faculties of Science (FNWI). Research areas include epigenetics, stem-cell and developmental biology, computational biology and biophysics. RIMLS operates its own wet lab, microscopes and computational facilities, and currently has about 60 researchers, providing a vibrant and international working environment. The Eeftens team also has strong links with the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), renowned for expertise…