Impaired lipid metabolism lies at the epicenter of many diseases our society is currently facing, including fatty liver, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is essential to understand how lipid metabolism is regulated at the mechanistic level in health and disease, as this may lead to potential, eagerly needed and novel intervention strategies.

Using whole-genome functional genetic screens our group has recently identified novel regulators of cellular lipid metabolism (e.g Loregger et al, Nat. Comm 2020, Hendrix et al, Nat. Comm, 2023). In this NWO funded project we will primarily focus on exploring the physiological regulation of the SREBP1 and SREBP2 pathways, which are master regulators of lipid metabolism. The goal is to identify and molecularly characterize novel SREBP regulators using a wide range of advanced techniques (including state-of-the-art CRISPR-based genetic screens, cell-based functional assays, metabolomics, mass spectrometry, and molecular biology) in advanced cellular and mouse models.

We offer a challenging PhD project for a motivated and enthusiastic researcher.

The PhD student will be embedded in the Amsterdam Graduate school, which offers courses to strengthen transferable academic skills, and be a member of the AGEM and ACS institutes that arrange seminar series, conferences and PhD student retreats.

We are looking for a broadly-trained and highly-motivated PhD candidate with an MSc in Medical Biology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry or a related field. Experience and/or affinity with metabolism, functional genetic screens, molecular biology, or bioinformatics is an advantage.

• The candidate should have good command of oral and written English.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work within an international research group are essential.

The appointment will be for 4 years.

• A flying start to your career in research work in a metropolis with a diverse and open culture, and a multicultural society.
• Working with motivated colleagues from all corners of the world.
• You will start with a contract for one year (12 months) in accordance with the CAO UMC 2022-2023, with the possibility of extension for another three years (36 months).
• PhD students (Onderzoeker in Opleiding) are placed in scale 21, with a fulltime gross salary. The starting salary is € 2.901,- and increases to € 3.677,- in the fourth year.
• Effective of November 2023, a 4% salary increase will occur.
• In addition to a good basic salary, you will receive, among other things, 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation allowance. Calculate your net salary here.
• Pension via BeFrank
• Reimbursement of 75% of your public transport costs. Would you rather travel by bike? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.

Amsterdam UMC

The project is embedded within the research group of Prof. Noam Zelcer in the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC. We are a dynamic and internationally oriented group focused on elucidating the molecular regulation of lipid metabolism.

For more information about the group, our work, and publications please visit our website: https://www.zelcerlab.eu/