PhD and Postdoc Positions Available, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

PhD and Postdoc Positions Available: Join our research team at Wageningen University, The Netherlands, and contribute to the exciting field of prokaryotic immune systems. We are offering PhD and Postdoc positions in the research group of Dr. Daan Swarts, located in the Laboratory of Biochemistry. Explore the mechanisms, functions, and evolution of prokaryotic Argonaute proteins and be part of cutting-edge research in this field.

Designation: PhD and Postdoc Positions

Research Area: Prokaryotic Argonaute Proteins

Location: Wageningen University, The Netherlands

Eligibility/Qualification:

• PhD Candidates: Hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree.
• Postdoc Candidates: Hold a PhD degree.

Requirements:

• Strong background in protein biochemistry.
• High motivation and ability to work in an international and multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Nice-to-Haves (Not Strict Requirements):

• Experience in working with nucleic acid-interacting proteins.
• Experience with protein expression and purification using an FPLC (e.g., ÄKTA).
• Experience with structural biology (e.g., modeling, X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, MD).
• Experience with (fluorescence) spectroscopy (e.g., fluorimeter, FCS, UV-CO, SEC-MALS, FP).
• Experience with bacteriophages experiments (e.g., plaque assays).

Job Description: Our research group focuses on prokaryotic immune systems, specifically prokaryotic Argonaute proteins, which play a crucial role in defending prokaryotic hosts against viruses and plasmids. We use small nucleic acid guides to identify and combat invading DNA, involving processes such as DNA cleavage and recruitment of accessory proteins. Our work employs a range of multidisciplinary research techniques, from bioinformatics to in vivo functional characterization and in vitro protein biochemistry.

What Do We Offer:

• PhD Position: A 3-year, full-time position funded by an NWO Vid grant.
• Postdoc Positions: Two 2-year, full-time positions funded by an NWO Vidi grant.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for protein biochemistry research.
• Collaboration within a dynamic and motivated research team.
• Integration into the Laboratory of Biochemistry, a vibrant, multidisciplinary research group at Wageningen University.

Wageningen University provides excellent terms of employment and supports applications for personal postdoctoral grants, including EMBO fellowships, ERC Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, HFSP Fellowships, and NWO Ven grants.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation to daanswarts@wur.nl. For any inquiries or questions, contact Daan Swarts at daanswarts@wur.nl.

Last Date for Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply now to join our dynamic research team and contribute to the fascinating world of prokaryotic immune systems.