PhD Student – Structural Biology of Actin Filament Assemblies to Understand Cell Migration

The group of Wout Oosterheert is looking for a PhD candidate to join our newly established team working on the molecular mechanisms of the actin cytoskeleton. In this project, you will study how actin filaments interact with proteins at the plasma membrane. By elucidating the atomic details of these interactions, we hope to gain fundamental insights into (cancer)-cell migration and adhesion.

The actin cytoskeleton constitutes a versatile network of filaments that controls the shape and movement of all eukaryotic cells. We have recently uncovered how actin filament polymerization and disassembly are orchestrated at the molecular level. Building upon this work, we now aim to visualize the architecture of actin filament assemblies at the membrane.

In this research project you will:

• Purify and reconstitute large protein complexes for structural and functional studies;

• Use a variety of biophysical techniques to dissect numerous protein-protein interactions;

• Determine protein structures using cryo-electron microscopy and/or cryo-electron tomography.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is a dynamic comprehensive cancer center accommodating over 55 research groups and many state-of-the-art core facilities, including imaging, cryo-EM, flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics and screening. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we have a shared goal: providing the best care for every patient and every type of cancer. Quite a lot, but not impossible. Here, science and health care join forces towards innovation. We keep finding new ways to help people facing cancer on a global scale.

Are you driven by curiosity and excited to uncover the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular processes? If so, we would like to invite you to apply! We are looking for a colleague who meets the following criteria:

• Interested in fundamental mechanistic research, driven by curiosity;

• A MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline;

• Demonstrable experience with basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques;

• Prior experience in structural biology, and in particular cryo-EM, is a big plus;

• Affinity for computational work – specifically cryo-EM data processing;

• Fluent in academic English, both spoken and written;

• Can work independently with a problem solving attitude;

• Excellent social and communication skills and can work in collaboration with others in a dynamic, international team.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

The basis for your employment conditions is in accordance with the CLA Hospitals. You will receive from us:

• A temporary contract for a period of four years, for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.665,- and € 4.450,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the OIO scale and depending on your experience;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

• A great opportunity in a specialised hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow yourself if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncology professional knowledge, skills and personal development;

• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association.

Interested?

Apply now by using the apply/solliciteer button at the top of the page! Please attach the following documents:

• Application letter (max 1 page) - explain why you are excited about this PhD position, and what experience and personal qualities make you a strong candidate;

• CV, including your grades. If you don’t have a MSc certificate yet, explain briefly what you still need to complete and provide your expected graduation date;

• Contact information of 2 references. Provide name, email address, phone number (do not submit reference letters).

Make sure to include your reference information together with your application documents, as there is no option to submit them separately.

For questions about the position, please contact Wout Oosterheert (w.oosterheert@nki.nl).

Our group is part of the Division of Biochemistry. We have excellent biochemistry and biophysics facilities, good access to cryo-EM and good computing facilities.

This vacancy is open for applications until November 8th 2025. Qualified candidates may be invited prior to the application deadline. Applications send directly by email will not be processed.