Doctoral Candidate Position 12 - University of Groningen the Netherlands
Routing of antigen in mitochondrial antigen presentation
Description of project
The research will begin by employing knockdown/knockout and overexpression techniques for proteins involved in membrane trafficking such as SNAP29, VAMP7, Rab7, Rab9, Syntaxin-17, and components of the HOPS tethering complex known to be involved in the processes of autophagy and antigen presentation. Using advanced light and electron microscopy, this step will aim to identify the intracellular pathways responsible for processing mitochondrial antigens in mitochondrial antigen presentation (MITAP).
Next, the mitochondrial antigen presentation assays developed bin collaboration with DC4 will be used to assess the effects of these genetic modifications, as well as the impact of drugs targeting various pathways in the intracellular routing and presentation of mitochondrial antigens for MITAP.
In the third step, the influence of LRRK2 mutations associated with Parkinson's disease on phagosome maturation, lysosomal function, mitochondrial metabolism, and MITAP will be evaluated using cutting-edge microscopy and molecular biology techniques.
Finally, a novel assay will be developed to detect T cells recognizing Parkinson's disease-related antigens in blood samples, utilizing our newly in house developed T-cell activation technique ProliSpot (patent pending).
Required selection criteria
- Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
- Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
- Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English
Preferred selection criteria
- Experience in working with immune cells and/or neurobiology
- Experience in time management and teamwork
- Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
- Scientific curiosity and passion
Specific Requirements
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Groningen
Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art training within the BICEPS doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
- Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
- A mobility allowance to support relocation
- A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)
Eligibility criteria
The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP) and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers.
Selection process
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. Applications should include:
- Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees
- Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees
Please use the harmonized Application Form before the deadline of 15-February 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be accepted until this deadline and considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applications submitted by post or email will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.
Additional comments
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.
We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
A salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 fte). In addition, there is an 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end-of-the-year bonus. The position is limited to a period of 4 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate's performance after 9 months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining three years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate's contract will be extended by another 3 years, for a total of 4 years.