PhD student - molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral neuropathy (Donders Institute, Nijmegen, Netherlands)
Erik Storkebaum
The Storkebaum lab (Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute and Radboud University; https://www.ru.nl/donders/research/theme-2-perception-action-control/research-groups-theme-2/molecular-neurobiology) combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy. Our team currently consists of three PhD candidates, three postdoctoral researchers, two technical assistants, and several Master's students. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, and grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Radala Foundation. We have published several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Acta Neuropathologica, EMBO Journal and Nature Reviews Neurology. We have state-of-the-art facilities for Drosophila and mouse genetics, Drosophila and mouse behavioural analysis, imaging (fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution and electron microscopy), histology and immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture. We are part of the Donders Institute, a world-class neuroscience institute with a lively and interactive culture.
One of the diseases that we focus on is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in tRNA synthetase genes. CMT is an incurable characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory axons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and sensory dysfunction. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available for CMT, underscoring the need to gain better insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease, a prerequisite for rational design of new drugs.
As a PhD Candidate you will use Drosophila models for CMT caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. In addition to existing models, you will also generate and characterize novel knock-in Drosophila models, and investigate how defective mRNA translation can lead to selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory axons. You will become part of a multidisciplinary team, and have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in our lab. You will use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, Drosophila genetics and behavioural analysis, fluorescence and confocal microscopy (and if applicable also super-resolution and electron microscopy), immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry. You will get the opportunity to supervise Master's students. Beyond that, your exposure to teaching will be minimal.
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented individual with a particular interest in neurobiology. You hold a Master's degree (or are about to obtain one) in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, genetics or a related discipline, and are interested in a scientific career. You are capable of working in a team as well as independently. Previous experience with Drosophila genetics would be a plus but is not required. Finally, we are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.
Interested? Please email you CV, a one-page motivation letter, and contact details of two references to: e.stor...@donders.ru.nl