PhD Position in Neurobiology

Employment: 1.0 FTE
Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881
Required background: Research University Degree
Organizational unit: Faculty of Science
Application deadline: 02 March 2026

About the Position

Radboud University is recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects related to neurodegenerative diseases.

First project: Investigate 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.

Research approach:

• Integration of multiple techniques to analyze why motor and sensory neurons are more vulnerable to neurodegeneration

• Techniques include viral gene transfer, FACS, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), confocal imaging

• In vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis

Additional projects:

• Developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT

• Studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration

Collaboration:

• Work closely with a senior postdoctoral researcher for experimental guidance

• Opportunity to teach (10%) and collaborate with Bachelor and Master’s students

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who:

• Holds (or is about to obtain) a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Molecular (Neuro)biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field

• Previous experience with mouse genetics and molecular biology is a plus

• Has permission to work with mice (Article 9 – FELASA B)

• Is team-oriented, open to feedback, and engages in scientific discussions

• Has a good command of English (lab is international)

What We Offer

• Temporary 1.5-year contract, extendable by 2.5 years after positive evaluation (total 4 years)

• Starting gross salary: €3,059/month (38 hours/week), increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus

• Flexible choice of 30 or 41 days of annual leave (full-time employment)

• Various additional employment benefits including flexible working hours, work-from-home options, sports/cultural discounts, pension plan

• Room and responsibility to develop talents and ambitions; access to training and development schemes

Working Environment

Storkebaum Lab – Combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to study motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including:

• CMT (tRNA synthetase mutations)

• ALS (mutations in FUS and TDP-43)

• Molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration, with focus on mRNA translation defects

Techniques used: NCAT, confocal/super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule FISH, viral gene transfer, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, mouse/Drosophila behavioral analysis, EMG, histology, molecular biology, and biochemistry

Team & collaborations:

• 4 postdoctoral researchers, 3 PhD candidates, 2 technical assistants

• Strong local, national, and international collaborations

• Opportunities to present work in lab meetings, seminars, and international conferences

• Funded by ERC, MDA, Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds, Dutch ALS Association, Radala Foundation, Health Holland, Biotech Booster, NWO

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI) at Radboud University conducts groundbreaking research and provides excellent education. With over 1,300 colleagues from more than 70 countries, the faculty fosters an inclusive, informal, and collaborative environment.

Application Procedure

• Apply via the online application form (address letter to Prof. Erik Storkebaum)

• Include documents specified in the form

• First interviews: Tuesday, 10 March 2026

• Preferred start date: 1 June 2026 or later by mutual agreement

• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated

Contact: Prof. E.J.M. Storkebaum – erik.storkebaum [at] donders.ru.nl