open / #0811.35 / Biochemical networks, PhD, Postdoc / 08 Jan 2009

Living cells can respond to a myriad of environmental signals, and they can do so reliably and specifically. This observation is supported by many experiments, yet seems to contradict the view that cells process information via networks of proteins that interact stochastically.

In the past years, much effort has been devoted to understanding how cells encode information in the temporal dynamics of biochemical networks. It is increasingly recognized however, that cells also actively exploit scaffolding, localized interactions and compartmentalization to regulate biological processes. The key question of this project is how cells can use the spatial design of biochemical networks to respond specifically and reliably to multiple signals. This question will be addressed using our recently developed Green's Function Reaction Dynamics algorithm (PRL, 2005; BPJ, 2006), which is a numerical scheme that makes it possible to simulate biochemical networks at the particle level, both in time and space.

This project is carried out in close collaboration with the experimental groups of Peter Verveer and Philippe Bastiaens from the Max-Planck Institute in Dortmund.

About the group Biochemical networks 

Required qualifications 

We are looking for a candidate with a strong theoretical background in (statistical) physics, physical chemistry, or theoretical biology, and who is willing to work with experimental biological data and is able to communicate across disciplinary boundaries. 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 the VU 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: 
Prof.dr. Pieter Rein ten Wolde
Group leader Biochemical Networks
Phone: +31 (0)20 6081234

Applications can be sent to: 
FOM Institute AMOLF 
Personnel Department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

Please quote vacancy # 0811.35 

Please send in 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.