PhD student transcription stress in non-dividing cells

Erasmus MC (University Medical Center Rotterdam)

Organisation/Company Erasmus MC (University Medical Center Rotterdam) Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 19 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The PhD position is part of a project embedded within the Marie Curie PhD network centred on mechanobiology, i.e. the study of how physical forces and mechanical cues shape cell physiology.

Evidence indicates that key mechanisms of neurodegeneration and cancer, including cytoskeletal alterations, protein aggregation, protein phase transitions, DNA damage response, transcription stress, epigenetic changes and metabolic alterations, can result as a consequence of mechanical alterations.

Within this framework, the work to be conducted at Erasmus MC will focus on defining the mechanobiology impact on DNA damage associated with transcription stress in non‑dividing cells.

Transcription stress acts as a potent trigger of the DNA damage response (DDR), coordinating multiple essential cellular processes.

This is particularly relevant in post‑mitotic lineages, where the DDR relies primarily on transcription‑coupled mechanisms rather than replication‑associated pathways. Such mechanisms are central to neurodegenerative diseases as well as in cancer, where differentiated lineages can undergo reprogramming and serve as cells of origin.

The PhD student will investigate the molecular basis linking mechanobiology and transcription stress by applying omics approaches, live‑cell imaging, and organoid models.

The main objectives of the project are to determine the specific types of DNA damage induced by mechanical alterations, to characterise the resulting transcription‑stress signalling and repair responses, and to evaluate the impact of these processes on proteomic homeostasis.

The project is expected to provide fundamental insights into how mechanical signals, DNA damage, and transcription processes impair cellular physiology in post‑mitotic cells.

As part of the Marie Curie PhD network, the candidate will benefit from immediate access to an international community of leading experts and peers across Europe, gain exposure to diverse academic and professional environments, and engage actively in dissemination, workshops, and scientific communication.

Candidates should be available to start by July 1st, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively through our website; applications sent via any other channel will not be considered.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3.108,- in the 1st year and it gradually increases to € 3.939,- in the 4th year (scale OIO) based on a full‑time workweek of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in‑company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to Dr. Alex Pines, research scientist, via a.pines or .

Applications must be submitted exclusively through our website. Applications sent via any other channel will not be considered.