Applications are invited for a fully-funded Postdoctoral researcher position for two years in the research group of Dr. Danny Incarnato, at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) of the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), to investigate RNA structural ensemble dynamics in living cells.

What
The successful applicant will work on a multidisciplinary project aimed at characterizing the role of RNA structural ensemble dynamics in driving cell fate decision. Particularly, (s)he will

- Develop novel methods for the mapping of RNA ensemble dynamics in living cells.
- Identify regulatory RNA switches involved in cell fate determination using both cancer cell lines and embryonic stem cell models of cell differentiation.
- Design and screen therapeutics for the modulation of RNA structural ensembles.

Where
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

The IncaRNAto lab is hosted in the prestigious Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), located in the Zernike Campus, at the northern edge of the city of Groningen.
The GBB is one of the larger institutes of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) and provides an excellent environment for top-notch research in the field of biomolecular sciences. Twelve vibrant research groups with strong roots in biophysics, biochemistry & molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, computational biology, microbiology or genetics are organized in two focal areas: ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes’ and ‘Physiology and Systems Biology’.

Who
The ideal candidates must be highly motivated, hard-working, ambitious, creative, enthusiastic about RNA and interested in conducting both wet-lab and in silico work. (S)he must

- Hold a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
- Have experience with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, western blot, cloning, etc.)
- Have experience with mammalian cell work (e.g., culture of cell lines and primary cells, transfection, etc.)
- Have experience with RNA-related techniques (e.g., in vitro transcription, Northern blot, PAGE, RT-qPCR, RNA immunoprecipitation, etc.)
- Prior experience working with RNA structure and NGS, as well as experience in bioinformatics and data analysis (i.e. R, Python, Perl) is a significant plus.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- A salary of € 4,020 gross per month (salary scale 10.4 Dutch Universities) based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE), depending of relevant work experience after attaining a PhD.
- A gross holiday allowance of 8%.
- A gross 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A position for two years.

Dr Danny Incarnato
joinus@incarnatolab.com

Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (GBB)
RNA Structural Ensemble Dynamics research group
The conditions of employment
The city of Groningen