Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated researchers aiming to advance their academic careers in the 2026/2027 session. Hosted at the renowned Bijvoet Centre, this fully funded PhD pathway provides an innovative environment for studying macromolecular crowding and its role during ageing, supported by world-class facilities and expert supervision.
To qualify for the Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship, applicants must hold an MSc in molecular life sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related discipline. Strong skills in microbiology or cell culture are essential, along with the ability to independently manage a research project. Candidates should be enthusiastic about working with C. elegans and contributing to an interdisciplinary research setting.
Benefits of Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship
- A cutting-edge collaborative PhD project within an interdisciplinary research group
- An 18-month initial contract, extendable to a full 4-year PhD upon positive evaluation
- Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (full-time, scale P, CAO NU)
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus
- Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions
- Opportunities for professional development, conference participation, and teaching experience
- Access to Utrecht University’s employee benefits and support programs.
Eligibility for Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for a PhD in Chemistry, Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related fields offered by Utrecht University.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Hold an MSc degree in molecular life sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with sterile microbiological work or cell culture.
• Interest in working with C. elegans as a model organism.
• Ability to independently lead a research project.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and work in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent English writing and presentation skills.
• Dutch communication skills are advantageous for teaching and outreach (not mandatory).
Required Documents
- A motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details (names, phone numbers, emails) of at least two referees
How to Apply for Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship
- Apply through the “Apply now” button on the official Utrecht University vacancy page.
- Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Contact details of at least two referees (names, phone numbers, emails)
- For research-related questions: Dr. Tessa Sinnige – [email protected]
- For application procedure queries: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship explores how macromolecular crowding drives protein aggregation during ageing using C. elegans. Hosted at Utrecht University’s Chemistry Department, it requires an MSc in life sciences and offers a 4-year funded position (starting with 18 months), competitive salary, benefits, interdisciplinary research, and teaching duties.
What is the focus of the PhD fellowship “Macromolecular Crowding during Ageing”?
The project investigates how crowded cellular environments — full of proteins and nucleic acids — influence protein aggregation in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases, using the nematode C. elegans as a multicellular model.
Which institution and department offers this Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship?
The fellowship is offered by the Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University, within the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research.
What will the PhD student do?
You will help develop novel sensors to measure macromolecular crowding in C. elegans, use advanced fluorescence microscopy along with molecular biology and biochemistry methods, collect and analyse data, publish results, and help teach BSc/MSc students.
What qualification is required to apply?
Applicants need an MSc in molecular life sciences, biochemistry, biophysics or a related discipline. Experience with sterile microbiological work or cell culture is also required, along with interest in using C. elegans.
Are there any personal or skill-related qualities expected?
Yes — you should be curious, open-minded, able to lead your own project, willing to learn new techniques in an interdisciplinary setting, and have excellent English writing and presentation skills. Dutch skills for teaching/outreach are a plus.
What is the contract duration and financial support?
The position begins with an 18-month contract; if assessment goes well, it can extend to a total of four years. Full-time gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
What employment benefits are included beyond salary?
Benefits include pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms per Dutch university agreement, as well as professional-development schemes, leave, and access to sports and cultural programmes.
Is the position strictly for Dutch students?
No- the fellowship accepts domestic and international applicants. There is no indication of nationality restrictions for eligibility.
What teaching or outreach responsibilities come with this Utrecht University Macromolecular Crowding PhD Fellowship?
As part of the role, you will supervise BSc and MSc students and assist in courses and outreach activities at Utrecht University, contributing to education alongside research.
What is the application deadline and application components?
The application deadline is 5 January 2026. You must submit a motivation letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and contact details (names, phone numbers, email addresses) of at least two referees.
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