"PhD Position for in Vitro Studies of Cell Division Driven by CDV Proteins"

We aim to reconstitute the intriguing archaeal cell division (CDV) proteins in liposomes to form a filamentous ring that contracts and hence deforms a liposome from a sphere- to a dumbbell shape. Using biophysical tools (fluorescence, AFM, TEM,..), we will study the CdvABC proteins from an archaeum that lives at room temperature. We will study their membrane binding, sequential (dis)assembly, and propensity to form contractile rings in liposomes. The CDV genes will also be encoded on a genome that is expressed in the PURE system. The project is part of the EVOLF consortium. We search an applicant with a biophysics background.

We are looking for outstanding experimentalists that are eager to participate in our research. The group aims at research at the highest international level. Candidates that fit into this environment are invited to apply. Experience in fields such as cell division, biophysics, single-molecule techniques, and optical imaging is welcomed. We foster diversity and female candidates are particularly invited to apply, since the gender balance recently declined with the departure of quite some female postdocs and students.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.