PhD-student / Postdoc Predicting gene regulation evolution

Our lab employs simple experimental model systems to study fundamental evolutionary processes, using concepts from biology, engineering, and physics

Research / Job description   
Our lab employs simple experimental model systems to study fundamental evolutionary processes, using concepts from biology, engineering, and physics. Based on mutants of the lactose repressor and operator, we have reconstructed the corresponding fitness landscape and shown that it is multi-peaked (see Nature 445, 2007). By constructing a synthetic microbial system, we have quantified the selective forces acting on regulatory networks, and demonstrated their evolutionary adaptation in variable environments (in review). Our general aim is to study the evolution and design principles of biological systems in a manner that is more quantitative and predictive than existing approaches. We are starting several new projects in this direction, including the evolutionary order in regulation networks, trajectories in multi-peaked landscapes, and the evolution of RNA networks.

About the group Biophysics 

Required qualifications
We are looking for an outstanding experimental physicist, chemist, or biologist with an interest to innovative experimentally and an affinity for mathematical modelling. The applicant should have a drive to excel in a competitive international environment.PhD candidates must meet the requirements for an MSc-degree. Postdoc candidates must meet the requirements for a doctors-degree.

Terms of employment
The position is intended as full-time (38 hrs / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) for the duration of two (postdoc) or four (PhD) years. After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Netherlands university. Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students. AMOLF assists any new foreign employees with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

For further information please contact:
Dr.ir. Sander Tans
Group leader Biophysics
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

Applications can be sent to:
FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB  Amsterdam
The Netherlands
applicationATamolf.nl

Please quote vacancy # 0901.34

Please send your:
-  Résumé;
-  Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.