Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Institution: Erasmus MC
Department: Molecular Genetics
Research group: Marteijn Lab
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network NEUROMECH
Opportunity type: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Position
Contract: 4 years, full-time
Salary: €3,217–€4,077 gross/month
Deadline: September 13, 2026
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate how mechanical stress affects transcription-coupled DNA repair and transcriptional stress in differentiated human neurons.
The project is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network NEUROMECH, an international consortium investigating the role of mechanobiology in neurodegenerative diseases.
About the research project
Transcription-blocking DNA damage can interfere with gene expression and contribute to cellular dysfunction, aging and genome instability.
This PhD project will investigate how changes in cellular and nuclear mechanics affect transcription and DNA repair in human neurons.
The research will use:
- iPSC-derived neurons
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
- Advanced live-cell imaging
- Molecular and cell biology approaches
- Genetic and proteomic tools
The project aims to understand the interaction between mechanical stress, transcription integrity and DNA repair, potentially providing insight into why differentiated neurons are particularly vulnerable during aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Research environment
The project will be carried out in the Marteijn Lab within the Department of Molecular Genetics at Erasmus MC.
The department has an international research community of more than 80 researchers working on DNA damage responses, DNA repair and related cellular processes.
The Marteijn Lab uses a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular and cell biology, live-cell imaging, genetic approaches and proteomics.
The PhD candidate will also benefit from the training and supervision provided through the Erasmus MC Graduate School and the international NEUROMECH doctoral network.
Who can apply?
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Molecular Sciences
- Nanobiology
- Related disciplines
Experience in the following areas is advantageous but not essential:
- Basal transcription
- DNA damage response
- Neuronal differentiation systems
- Live-cell imaging
Candidates should be able to independently design, conduct and evaluate research projects and demonstrate strong theoretical and experimental research skills.
Excellent written and spoken scientific English is required. The stated minimum requirement is IELTS overall 7.0, or equivalent TOEFL scores.
Important eligibility requirement
Because this position is part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, applicants must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule.
Candidates must not have lived or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment, regardless of nationality.
Applicants must also not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
Candidates should verify their eligibility under the MSCA rules before applying.
Salary and benefits
The position is a 4-year temporary appointment.
The gross monthly salary increases progressively:
| Year | Gross monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | €3,217 |
| Year 2 | Increasing |
| Year 3 | Increasing |
| Year 4 | €4,077 |
A 3.5% salary increase from May 2027 is also indicated under the applicable collective labour agreement.
Additional benefits include:
- 13th-month payment
- Individual travel expense package
- Pension insurance through ABP
- International Office support for relocation and settling in the Netherlands
- Access to an on-site gym
- Additional employee benefits
Why this opportunity may be interesting
This PhD is particularly interesting for researchers interested in the intersection of:
DNA Repair · Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · Mechanobiology · Genomic Stability · Neurodegeneration
The MSCA Doctoral Network component is another major advantage, providing an international research and training environment rather than a conventional PhD isolated within a single laboratory.
The combination of iPSC-derived neurons, CRISPR-Cas9 and live-cell imaging also makes this a particularly strong opportunity for candidates interested in advanced experimental approaches.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the Erasmus MC recruitment platform using the application button on the official vacancy page.
For additional information about the research project, applicants can contact Dr. Jurgen Marteijn or visit the Marteijn Lab website.
Deadline
September 13, 2026
Official source
Erasmus MC – Rotterdam, Netherlands
PhD Student – Study Transcription Stress in Neurons
View the official vacancy and apply
Last checked: August 27, 2026