PhD position in RNA Structural Ensemble Dynamics (1.0 FTE)

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic candidate for a fully funded 4-year PhD position. The PhD candidate for this project will be working at the RNA Structural Ensemble Dynamics group led by Dr Danny Incarnato, which is embedded in the Molecular Genetics department (https://www.rug.nl/research/molecular-genetics/ or http://www.molgenrug.nl) of GBB.

The PhD candidate will receive excellent training through cutting-edge research projects, advanced courses and training opportunities, complemented by workshops on generic research, transferable skills and teaching. As a PhD candidate, you are committed to conduct independent and original scientific research, to report on this research in international publications and presentations, and to present the results of the research in a PhD dissertation, to be completed within 4 years. PhD candidates are expected to contribute 10% of their overall workload to teaching.

The successful applicant will work on a multidisciplinary project aimed at dissecting RNA structure ensembles in living cells. Particularly, you will:

- Develop novel methods (both wet and computational) for the accurate interrogation of RNA 2D and 3D structures in living cells.
- Apply novel as well as state-of-the-art methods to map and functionally characterize RNA structure ensembles under different cellular conditions.
- Explore the therapeutic potential of targeting RNA structure ensembles.

The Incarnato group uses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular models and exploits (or develops where needed) cutting-edge experimental methods (Marinus et al., 2021 [PMID: 33398343]; Incarnato et al., 2017 [PMID: 28934475]; Incarnato et al., 2017 [PMID: 28180324]; Incarnato et al., 2014 [PMID: 25323333]) and bioinformatics analysis tools (Morandi et al., 2022 [PMID: 35361788]; Morandi et al., 2021 [PMID: 33619392]; Incarnato et al., 2018 [PMID: 29893890]; Incarnato et al., 2016 [PMID: 26487736]; Incarnato et al., 2013 [PMID: 23863844]), complemented by state-of-the-art molecular genetics and biochemistry techniques.

Organisation
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 33,000 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 Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB – https://www.rug.nl/gbb), one of the larger institutes of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), 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’.