Lab Mission Statement

We aim to understand the complete molecular mechanisms of genome maintenance and the biological consequences of its failure.  Genome maintenance refers to the collective cellular processes that preserve genetic information and faithfully pass this information on in cell division. In order to understand molecular mechanisms and biological consequences completely we apply the broadest possible range of experimental systems. 

To advance knowledge and learn truly new things we strive to exploit and develop novel experimental technologies. 

Our approach to address molecular mechanisms of genome maintenance across the experimental range from molecules to animals is a unique strength. 

To integrate the information we generate in a synergistic way we practice creative interdisciplinary thinking, have an appreciation of multiple experimental approaches, and strive for conceptual synthesis. 

The Lab Environment

This research work is a communal endeavor. Our success is maximized, and the process is more fun, by collectively working toward scientific goals.  Approaching research as a communal and collective endeavor has many advantages and also brings responsibilities.  We benefit from the intellectual stimulation of sharing ideas and making connections between different lines of work. We are committed to teaching at many levels, fostering development of PhD students and post-docs toward becoming independent researchers and increasing skills and knowledge of all lab members. Progress is most effective and efficient when we share expertise, information, work responsibilities, and reagents.  Information, reagents or experimental systems generated in the group are available for all in the group.  Thus they are generated with the greatest of care and used with the greatest of respect.  We also work together intellectually by contributing our own expert knowledge and by learning new perspectives from others. The public record of our research, in papers and presentations, represents us all.  We make the strongest positive impact in the scientific community by presenting our work in the most accurate and accessible manner.  The best scientific methods and highest ethical standards are always adhered to.

It is expected that every lab member:

1.Is interested in and motivated to share ideas and learn new things (keeping up with the literature, attending seminars, and taking part in discussions are vital to scientific progress)

2.Is actively involved in the give and take of constant teaching and learning.

3.Takes on research projects with the responsibility to be aware of the project goals during all stages, to perform appropriate and properly controlled experiments, to follow a logical series of experimental steps, document their progress and trouble shoot procedures.

4.Participates in weekly work discussions and journal club.

5.Prepares reagents and protocols so that they are useful to all, by clearly documenting their detailed generation and depositing information in communal lab recording system/data base.

6.Takes part in a fair share of lab chores, and duties.

7. 7. Keeps a careful, complete and permanent record of their experimental work (bound book with numbered pages, available from the dept. office).
   

8. 8. Is responsible for following instructions and protocols for proper use of equipment, seeking instruction in doubt and reporting any malfunction promptly to the responsible person.
   

     9.   Is aware of his/her own safety and the safety of those around him/her. Appropriate safety equipment is    

               provided and you are responsible for wearing safety glasses (UV) and lab coats when performing tasks 

               that demand this.

     10. Is aware of, and personally responsible for following all laboratory standard practice and safety procedures 

               including: proper use of equipment, where food is and is not allowed and how to dispose of used items   

               such as organic chemicals and syringes etc.

Some organizational elements:

1.Each junior scientist, (technician, PhD student or post-doc) is supervised by one of the senior scientists (Roland, Claire, Jeroen, or Joyce).  The senior supervisor is responsible for keeping track of experimental and intellectual progress.

2.Roland and/or Claire, as the professors in our midst, are ultimately responsible for promotion of PhD students and are kept up to date on the progress of all students.

3.A lab manager, interim Cecile, is responsible for overall organization of practical aspects of running the lab.

What to expect as a PhD student:

1.PhD students usually start work on a project that has been conceived of by one of the senior scientists.  This project provides the opportunity to expand and deepen knowledge in a new area of research.  The project will be challenging but technically feasible within the 4 years allotted for obtaining a PhD.  Outstanding students will contribute substantially to developing their projects in original directions.

2.Upon entering the lab each new PhD student will write a short (5-8 page) grant proposal describing their project as it will be undertaken for the first year.  This will be in consultation with their senior scientist supervisor and is to be approved finally by Roland or Claire.

3.At the end of each year (anniversary month of entering the lab), each PhD student will present a summary of their progress in the past year and plans for the coming year to the lab.  This will be an opportunity to “take stock” and receive focused and constructive advice. 4 years is a short time to complete a PhD but together we can make it work well.

4.In our department all PhD students take part in two courses from the Molecular Medicine Master of Science program (Experimental Approaches to Molecular and Cell Biology and Contemporary Research Topics).  Receiving a passing grade for these courses is a requirement for continuing in a PhD program.  PhD training also requires participating in 3-4 additional courses such as those offered by the Post-graduate school in Molecular Medicine and the Research School of Molecular Genetics Center South West Netherlands.

5.A thesis is expected to include a minimum of 2 first author publications or publishable manuscripts resulting from experimental work and a publish(ed/able) review.  Other chapters in the thesis include co-author publication and coherent collections of additional experimental work written up in a publishable form.

What to expect as a post-doc:

1.Post docs may enter the lab starting a project conceived by a senior scientist or independently conceived by them.  In either case, progress toward an independent research career is expected to include considerable personal input into developing, expanding and initiating new projects and ideas.

2.A post doc period of 3 years is standard but can be extended if additional funding is obtained.  Obtaining individual grant funding for post-doctoral work is an essential step on the path to an independent scientific career.  This is strongly encouraged and actively supported.

3.Dutch speaking post-docs usually take part in medical curriculum teaching, consisting of about 2X2 hours each year.

4.Post docs can contribute much to the group from their accumulated knowledge and experimental expertise.

5.Post-docs leaving the lab for independent positions may take with them the new projects they have developed.

What to expect as a technician:

1.Technicians will have different roles within the group depending on their experience level, skills and ambitions.

2.Most technicians will have some duties that primarily support research projects and some duties that are part of their own individual research project.

3.Technicians will carry out research projects with the responsibility to be aware of the project goals during all stages, to perform appropriate and properly controlled experiments, to follow a logical series of experimental steps, document their progress and trouble shoot procedures.

4.Where needed and desired training in specific tasks will be provided and is expected to enrich the technical resources of the lab.

5.Technicians, like any other professional scientist, will be included as authors on publications to which they contribute.

6.Technicians present their experimental progress and actively take part in all work discussion meetings.

What to Expect from the Senior Scientists:

1.Support in achieving your goals to develop as a (independent) scientist.

2.A commitment to teaching.

3.Guidance is choosing research questions and formulating a research plan.

4.Practical advice and guidance in setting up and performing experiments.

5.Instruction and supervision in creating written and oral presentations of your work, such as preparing manuscripts for publication or a scientific talk for a meeting.

6.Support and encouragement to promote your work in the wider scientific community.

7.Sufficient financial support and advocacy within the university.

8.There will be a yearly “state of the lab address”, in which the senior scientists summarize scientific progress for the past year, give an overview of funding and personnel and present ideas for future progress.