PhD student in Biochemistry, Structure and Function of Archaeal Chromatin

The project is aimed at understanding structure, function and evolution of archaeal histone proteins. It is embedded in a dynamic multidisciplinary research group (biochemistry, biophysics, molecular microbiology, genetics, microscopy) with long-standing expertise in the structure and function of chromatin in bacteria and archaea. See www.archaealchromatin.com. The group is part of the section Macromolecular Biochemistry at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, in which a diverse of range macromolecular systems is investigated to understand their structure-function relationships. Moreover, the group is associated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research (CIGR) and the Centre for Microbial Cell Biology (CMCB). The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and as a team player in this multidisciplinary environment. The candidate is also expected to have good experimental and, ideally, writing skills. The internationally oriented research group provides a friendly, inclusive and stimulating working environment, with excellent training in hard and soft skills in preparation for careers in academia and industry.

The chromosomes of bacteria and archaea are organized and compacted into a nucleoid. This is achieved by the action of nucleoid-associated proteins that fold the genome by bending, wrapping or bridging it. In our group we investigate, using a quantitative approach, the mechanisms employed by the various proteins that are involved in DNA organization and compaction both from a molecular and a cellular perspective (Peeters et al., Nature Rev Microbiol, 2015; Dame et al., Nature Rev Gen, 2020).

The goal of this sub-project is to define by using biochemical, biophysical techniques, and structural biology, the role and DNA structuring properties of known and newly identified conventional (Henneman et al., PLOS Gen, 2018; Henneman et al., Nucl Acids Res, 2021) and non-conventional archaeal histone proteins (Ofer et al., Comm Biol, 2023; Hu et al., Nucl Acids Res, 2024; Schwab et al., biorXiv, 2024).

The project involves collaboration with Dr Sebastian Geibel and Dr Steffen Brünle.

Work and profile
The PhD student will independently perform and analyze experiments. The outcomes of the 4-year project are expected to be written in a PhD thesis, which is to be evaluated by an expert committee, and to be published as journal articles.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or equivalent;
• Experience with Cloning and Protein expression and purification is a plus;
• Experience with X-ray crystallography or single-particle cryo-EM is a plus;
• Good writing skills are a plus;
• Excellent proficiency in English;

Description of organisation and terms of employment
The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is organized around two major research areas: ‘Chemical Biology’ and ‘Energy & Sustainability’. The institute’s research themes illustrate the central position of chemistry between biology, medicine and physics. The various research topics carried out within these themes are ideal for executing interdisciplinary research.

The position is available immediately. We offer a position for 12 months , upon satisfactory performance to be extended for three more years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.770,- to € 3.539,- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Faculty
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Prof. dr. Remus T. Dame, , rtdame@chem.leidenuniv.nl.

For more information about the recruitment process please contact Ingrid Bekooy, bekooy_i@lic.leidenuniv.nl

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. You can apply until September 15, 2024 using the application button below.