About the Project
A recent discovery in membrane research is the ability of synthetic amphipathic polymers of styrene and maleic acid to solubilize membranes in the form of nanodiscs. These “native nanodiscs” form a promising new tool to study membrane proteins.
In this project you will use well-defined model membrane systems as well as biological membranes to study the importance of chemical and physical properties of the polymers for the efficiency of solubilization and for properties of the resulting nanodiscs, such as size, homogeneity, stability and lipid packing. In addition you will explore novel applications of SMA-bounded nanodiscs as platform to study membrane proteins and protein/lipid interactions.
Qualifications
You are highly motivated and have a strong interest in membrane research. You have recently obtained a MSc (or equivalent degree) in Chemistry or in Molecular Life Sciences and you have expertise and interest in biochemistry, physical chemistry and organic chemistry.
Offer
The candidate is offered a full-time position for four years. Salary ranges between €2,222 and €2,840 (scale P Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment
The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. More information is available on the website.
About the organization
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old center and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht city has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.
The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5,600 students and nearly 1,500 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty's academic programmes reflect developments in today's society.
Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB) is part of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science and participates in the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and in the Institute of Biomembranes. Research within MBB is focused on biological membranes. The groups aim to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying membrane assembly, organization, homeostasis and function with special emphasis on the lipid-protein interactions involved. This research improves our fundamental understanding of membrane structure and function and helps in the design of new antibiotics and the development of more effective drugs against membrane-related diseases.
Additional information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from: Prof. Dr. J.A. Killian ([Email Address Removed]).
Apply
To apply, please click the application button below. Please attach a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and (email) addresses of two referees.
Application deadline is September 7, 2017.
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