PhD Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

Radboud University is a denominational university originally established in 1923 as the Catholic University of Nijmegen.

Required background Research University Degree

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Driven by science and eager to advance neurobiological research? With a Master’s in Molecular (Neuro)biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related field, you can play a key role as a PhD candidate studying neurodegenerative disease.

We are recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects. Your first project will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell type specificity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases. This peripheral neuropathy is characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons.

You will have the opportunity to integrate different techniques and analyze data sets to understand which unique properties of motor and sensory neurons make them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. You will use viral gene transfer, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, proteomics approaches, as well as immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and confocal imaging. Furthermore, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis.

In addition, you will be involved in other ongoing projects in the lab. For one of them, we are developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko et al, Science, 2021; Mora et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2025). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a new project studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration.

You will closely collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching (10%), and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

Does this sound like you?

• You are a highly motivated, passionate, critical and creative individual who wants to grow as a scientist.
• You are team-oriented, open to providing and receiving feedback, and keen to engage in scientific discussions.
• You either hold a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Molecular (Neuro)biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field, or are close to obtaining one.
• Previous experience with mouse genetics and molecular biology is a plus.
• You have permission to work with mice (Article 9 – FELASA B).
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Radboud University offers flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and options to work from home. You can tailor parts of your employment conditions, for example exchanging income for extra leave days or receiving reimbursement for sports membership. A 34% discount on sports and cultural activities is provided as an employee, and a good pension plan is offered. The university also supports training and development to help you grow.

Where you will be working

The Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Current focus includes Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in FUS and TDP-43. Methods used include NCAT, confocal and super-resolution imaging, single-molecule FISH, viral gene transfer, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole-genome sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

The team comprises postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates and technical staff, with collaborations at local, national and international levels. You will have the opportunity to present your work in lab meetings, institute seminars and international conferences. We have secured external funding from several sources and publish in high-impact journals.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Erik Storkebaum. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 10 March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 June 2026 or later upon mutual agreement.

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.