PhD - The role of the innate immune system in neurodegenerative diseases

Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen.

Job description:

The successful candidate will examine the role of the innate immune system in neurodegenerative diseases. The student will work with the fruit fly Drosophila Melanogaster. The fruit fly has been successfully used to dissect innate immune signaling, and has tremendously advanced mammalian biology. However, how immune signaling can affect neurodegenerative diseases is not well understood. Here, we will investigate this, using the many available genetic tools in Drosophila, and aim to extend findings to mammalian biology.

Requirements:

MSc in (medical) biology or biomedical sciences
Fluency in English
A strong background in neuroscience, cell biology, and molecular biology is desirable.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. You may be required to build up sufficient protection against Hepatitis B before you can be appointed. Vaccination is provided by the UMCG if necessary.

What do we offer:

We offer an interactive, multidisciplinary environment with a wide array of expertise, with people who enjoy doing science. The appointment, starting between June and December 2012, is fulltime and fixed term. After the first year, an evaluation is performed to decide whether to extend the appointment with another three years. The results of the studies are intended to lead to a doctoral dissertation. Your salary is € 2.107,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2.700,- gross per month in the last year. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

More information:

For more information about this vacancy you may contact:
Dr. Pascale Dijkers, assistant professor (UD), tel. no. +31 (0)50 363 2708

p.f.dijkers@umcg.nl (please do not use for applications)

Please use the the digital application form at www.umcg.nl - only these will be processed.
You can apply until 1 July 2012.
Immediately after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.