Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

University of Groningen

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 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 centre of knowledge.

The Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (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, including structural biology. Thirteen vibrant research units with strong roots in biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, cell biology, computational biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and systems biology are organized in two focal areas: ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes’ and ‘Physiology and Systems Biology’.

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic support scientist to run our advanced (cryo-) electron microscopy facility. The candidate will be integrated in a vibrant research group that is largely focused on unraveling the structure-function relationship of (membrane) proteins and larger biomolecular complexes.

The facility includes a recently installed and excellently performing FEI Talos Arctica TEM equipped with a K2-summit camera, an energy filter and a phase plate; a new full-service contract has just been acquired. In addition, several smaller electron microscopes for screening and infrastructures for sample preparation and image processing are available. Whenever required, there is access to the EM facility NeCEN in Leiden, where two FEI Titan Krios TEMs are operational.

Primary responsibilities of the candidate include maintaining the day-to-day running of the facility and training new users. If desired, the technician will be involved in research projects and will collaborate with internal and external researchers.

Requirements

The successful applicant has:

- a PhD with specialization in structural biology, biophysical chemistry or closely related fields (if not graduated yet, please indicate the expected graduation date)
- extensive experience in the operation of electron microscopes and sample preparation; experience with single particle protein structure determination is highly desirable
- a creative, open and resilient mind, excellent work ethics with organizational and communication skills;
- English language proficiency (both verbal and in writing)
- excellent interpersonal skills combined with an ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 12 months.

We offer an attractive job with variation in tasks within a vibrant, stimulating and international research institute. We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary ranging from € 2,960 up to € 4,670 (scale 10) gross per month for a full-time position depending of relevant experience and training
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus
- a time-limited employment for one year. If the outcome of the evaluation after one year is positive, the appointment will be prolonged for an indefinite term.

A starting date of October 1 is preferred, although in consultation November 1 is also possible.

Job Application

You may apply for this position until 25 August 11:59pm / before 26 August 2022 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).Please send us a complete application with the below-mentioned supporting documents as one single PDF:

- cover letter with background and motivation to apply for this position
- curriculum vitae, including master's and PhD degrees, work and research experience, and a publication list (if applicable)
- contact details of at least two references who can provide information on your suitability for the position.

Incomplete application documents will not be considered.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/[…]/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/sollicitatiecode/

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Prof. dr. D.J. Slotboom
+31 (0)50 363 4187
d.j.slotboom@rug.nl

In your application, please always include the job opening ID 222493

Digital application form