PhD Student Molecular Biology / Biotechnology

Type of job: full-time

The development of novel recombinant protein polymers as self-organizing materials (gels, fibers, layers, vesicles, etc.) is a highly exciting and rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field of research in which several outstanding groups in the U.S.A, Europe and Asia are involved. These recombinant protein polymers have many (potential) applications in medicine, pharmaceutics and biotechnology. The microbial biotechnology group at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research is one of the major pioneers worldwide in the development of protein polymers and microbial protein polymer production systems. Physical properties relevant for the applications, such as self-assembly behavior, mechanical properties etc., are investigated in collaboration with the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science at Wageningen University.
For a PhD position in this exciting field, we are looking for a well-trained biotechnologist with excellent knowledge of molecular biology, fermentation technology and protein biochemistry, and an interest in the physical chemistry of proteins and polymers. To be successful in this position, you should be a self-starting team player, a meticulous go-getter, and have excellent knowledge in speech and writing of English. You will be working under the direct supervision of a biotechnologist, a biophysicist and a physicist, and participate in a group of ~8 other PhD students working on strongly related subjects. You will be working primarily in a microbial biotechnology group at the institute ‘Wageningen UR Food and Biobased Research'. Physical properties of the novel recombinant protein polymers that you develop will be analyzed in the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science at Wageningen University.

Requirements:

For this position we request:An MSc (or equivalent) in biotechnology, molecular life sciences, or biology with a major emphasis on molecular biology and DNA technology;Self-starting, creative but punctual, team-playing attitude;Good communication skills;Excellent command in writing and speech of English;Meticulous and responsible attitude, careful planner;Sufficient practical experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, blotting, sterile operations;Sufficient practical experience with in-silico (software-mediated) manipulation of DNA- and protein sequences;Some experience with fermentation and biochemical techniques is preferable;An interest in learning more about the physical chemistry of proteins and polymers, and physical-chemical analysis techniques such as rheology, light scattering and Atomic Force Microscopy;Enthousiasm for interdisciplinary research.

We offer:

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2042,- in the first year rising up to € 2612,- per month in the fourth year.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Additional information:

For more information about this position, please contact Renko de Vries (Lab. Phys. Chem. Colloid Sci.), telephone number +31-317-484561, or Frits de Wolf (Food & Biobased Res.), telephone number +31 317481290.

For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Nicole de Vries, telephone number +31 317485677.

Interested?

You can apply online at www.werkenbij.wur.nl/UK until April 5th 2012.

Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)

Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.jobsat.wur.nl.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

Don't forget to mention Nature jobs when applying.

Contact:
Renko de Vries

WWW:
http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/252906-PhD-Student-Molecular-Biology-Biotechnology

Telephone:
+31-317-484561

Updated: 4.4.2012