PhD position to understand lysosomal cholesterol handling

Cholesterol is an essential lipid component of membranes and is a precursor of a wide range of signalling molecules. Disturbed cholesterol homeostasis is predominantly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, but it is now clear that this also plays a critical role in, amongst others, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and its transition to hepatocellular carcinoma, malignancies broadly, and neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease, AD). In cells, cholesterol is unevenly distributed between organelle membranes to maintain cellular and organismal cholesterol homeostasis. The lysosome is an essential cholesterol-trafficking hub, as is clearly illustrated in lysosomal cholesterol diseases such as Niemann-Pick disease (NPC) and lysosomal lipase deficiency diseases. Cholesterol egress from lysosomes involves membrane contact sites (MCS) and several proteins that have been recently identified. Interestingly, studies have shown that these MCS and subcellular localization of lysosomes are critically controlled by intracellular levels and distribution of cholesterol itself. In this project, we aim to answer how lysosomal cholesterol egress, and the intracellular cholesterol state are molecularly intertwined to maintain cellular and organismal cholesterol homeostasis. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of organelle biology, cholesterol metabolism, physiology, and proteomics analyses, with access to cutting-edge molecular tools and a collaborative research environment.

The PhD will be part of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research group and will work in close collaboration with the lab of Prof. Noam Zelcer (AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). The candidate should have the following requirements:
- a master’s degree in (bio)medical science;
- relevant experience in molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, CRISPR, proteomics, microscopy, etc.);
- an enthusiastic and ambitious team player;
- previous experience with bioinformatics, cell and animal models (Article 9 of the Experiments on Animals Act) is a pre;
- able to express oneself in English in word and writing;
- organizational talents and self-driven;
- provide at least two references.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions, a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

A full-time appointment for four years (36 hours a week). Your salary will be a maximum of € 3.824 gross per month (scale PRO), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Link
More information about the Laboratory of Pediatrics can be found on our website.

A PhD position for 4 years is available in the research group of Prof. Bart van de Sluis and Dr. Karin Wolters. The PhD position will be supervised by Prof. Bart van de Sluis and Dr. Karin Wolters in close collaboration with Prof. Noam Zelcer (AMC Amsterdam, The Netherlands), who also has a PhD position available in this collaborative project. The van de Sluis lab aims to understand the molecular regulation of lipid metabolism using a combination of cellular and experimental mouse models and uses this knowledge to diagnose and treat cardiometabolic diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. The Wolters team applies advanced proteomics to interrogate glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and physiology. Both research groups are embedded in the Laboratory of Pediatrics of the Department of Pediatrics of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. The Laboratory of Pediatrics brings together a wealth of expertise and know-how in metabolic research.

Bart van de Sluis
06 1450 8523
a.j.a.van.de.sluis@umcg.nl

Karin Wolters
j.c.wolters@umcg.nl

Bart van de Sluis, a.j.a.van.de.sluis@umcg.nl, telefoonnummer: 06 1450 8523
Karin Wolters, j.c.wolters@umcg.nl