Vacancies
Postdoctoral Position in lysosome research (3 years, 1 fte)
Section Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate at the post-doctoral level to join the group of Prof. Judith Klumperman. The candidate should have a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry and have an interest in membrane trafficking research on the endo-lysosomal system.
The project involves the molecular characterization of a novel vesicular transport pathway for the delivery of resident lysosomal membrane proteins to lysosomes, which requires VPS41 protein (doi: 10.1038/ncomms2360). We want to characterize the molecular regulatory machinery and identify the cargo proteins that are transported by this pathway. Patients with mutations in VPS41 show neurological symptoms. Applied methods will include gene editing, live-cell microscopy, co- immunoprecipitation and membrane purification. Proteomics studies will be performed in collaboration with the Gieselmann lab in Bonn.
The project is part of the Research Unit ‘Mechanisms of Lysosomal Homoeostasis’, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The aim of this research group is to investigate the biogenesis, degradation and signaling functions of lysosomes, find out how lysosomal malfunctions lead to diseases and how they can possibly be compensated for.
We offer: The candidate will be based in the Section for Cell Biology of the Center for Molecular Medicine, a dynamic institute with international and interactive research groups with direct access to a large number of facilities. Local training opportunities include molecular cell biology, biochemistry, live-cell imaging techniques and correlative light – electron microscopy. The project will be carried out as an intensive cooperation with the other groups of the Research Unit. Utrecht is a beautiful city located in the center of the Netherlands, in close proximity of Amsterdam and its international airport. The postdoctoral position is fully funded for 3 years. The conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Hospitals.
The position can be filled per immediate with as ultimate deadline 1 October 2017
Application process: Please send one PDF document containing a cover letter, a concise summary of previous research activities, the curriculum vitae including the publication list and contact details of 2 referees to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Further information: For questions about the position, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Information regarding the lab and institute can be obtained at: http://www.cellbiology-utrecht.nl/
PhD Position in Cancer Research (1 fte, 4 years)
Section Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
The group of Prof. Judith Klumperman is looking for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate with a master degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or a related field. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, and microscopy. Experience and/or sincere interest in cancer biology and technical microscopy development are required. Furthermore, good communication skills in English are required.
The lab focuses on the role and regulation of the endo-lysosomal system in cellular physiology and disease progression, by developing and using advanced microscopy methods. The lab is based in the Section Cell Biology of the Center for Molecular Medicine, a dynamic institute with international and interactive research groups with direct access to a large number of facilities.
(http://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/Research/Research-centers/Center-for-Molecular- Medicine)
The candidate will work on the project "Defining molecular and cellular modulators of cancer immunotherapy by automated high throughput 3D light-electron microscopy". The main goal will be to identify fundamental mechanisms by which tumor cells modulate their environment to prevent their destruction by the immune system. To that end, state-of-the art microscopy tools will be developed and used to obtain a three-dimensional integrated view on the molecular and cellular factors affecting tumor microenvironment. The project will be carried out as an intensive cooperation with the group of J.P. Hoogenboom in TU Delft and the Lab of Shannon Turley at Genentech, San Francisco.
The PhD position will be for a fixed term of four years and is expected to result in a PhD thesis. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Life Sciences, which is co-organized by three faculties: University Medical Center Utrecht, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Faculty of Science. This combination is unique and has gained a strong international reputation in biomedical and life sciences research. The Graduate School of Life Sciences provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit https://www.uu.nl/en/education/graduate-school-of-life-sciences for more information.
To apply, please send one PDF document 1) a letter of motivation, 2) a detailed CV, 3) a BSc and MSc grade list to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We hope to fill the position as soon as possible.
For more information about this position, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Information regarding the lab and institute can be obtained at: http://www.cellbiology-utrecht.nl.