Doctoral Candidate Position 13 - Sulfateq BV, the Netherlands
Maintaining mitochondrial health in Parkinson's disease
Description of project
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Increasing evidence points to mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathology, with damaged mitochondria contributing to immune activation and neuroinflammation. In this context, mitochondrial dysfunction including decreased energy production and reactive oxygen production, can culminate in decreased synaptic plasticity, act as scaffold for protein aggregation and serve as source of antigens, which are presented by immune cells like dendritic cells (DCs), potentially triggering autoimmune-like responses. This PhD project aims to investigate how novel small molecule inhibitors mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction in PD and improve cognitive function, focussing on the pathways relevant to mitochondrial quality control, mitochondrial homeostasis and mitochondrially-derived protein aggregation. By exploring mitochondrial fitness in PD, the project seeks to establish new therapeutic strategies to modify PD pathogenesis.
The research will first exploit preclinical models of PD to establish the therapeutic efficacy of novel mitochondrially-targeted small molecules. This will be followed by ‘multiomics’-based analyses of relevant mitochondrial pathways to uncover the mechanisms that underlie a potential therapeutic effect. Mitochondrial outcome parameters are assessed using state-of-art biochemical and respirometry approaches. In addition, using C.elegans as a model organism, established PD models are used to investigate and uncover relevant mitochondrial mechanisms that could serve as innovational drug target for future development. The project integrates techniques from biochemistry, cell- and molecular biology, mass spectrometry and advanced microscopy, providing a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the relevance of mitochondrial fitness in PD pathogenesis. Ultimately, this work establishes the proof of efficacy for PD treatment by mitochondrially-active drugs and could lead to the identification of novel drug targets that modulate mitochondrial fitness as potential new avenue for treating PD and related disorders.
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 with bioinformatics
- Experience in time management and teamwork
- “Out of the box” thinking
- 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 Medical Sciences of the University Medical Center Groningen and the University 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
Sulfateq BV strives to be an inclusive biotech company in which scientists at every level are respected, motivated, ambitious and comfortable, 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 our team members not only enriches our work environment, but also contributes to our innovation potential and increases the quality and originality of our work. We explicitly invite applications from underrepresented groups.
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
- A copy of the master's thesis. If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees
If all, or parts, of your education have been completed abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
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 2011, Sulfateq is an innovative privately-held biotechnology company whose mission is to bring innovative treatments to patients in a wide range of therapeutic indications related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Sulfateq is an early-stage biotech that specializes in the discovery and development of first-in-class small molecules that facilitate mitochondrial function, mitigate mitochondrial damage or limit mitochondrial oxidative stress. Sulfateq's lead compound SUL-238, is orally bioavailable and effective in various preclinical models of chronic disease, where a strong medical need exists in these disease areas, as currently approved treatments are symptomatic and associated with low median survival. Sulfateq's lead molecules SUL-238 is currently in human safety (Phase I) trials.
We offer you a salary of approximately € 2,770 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of approximately € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 fte). 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.