Postdoc molecular and cellular neuroscience

The MacGillavry lab is looking for a highly motivated, critical, and creative postdoc in molecular and cellular neuroscience.

Your function

Quantifying Synaptic Nanostructure–Function Relationships in Defined Neural Circuits

Project description:

Neuronal synapses are remarkably heterogeneous and dynamic structures that vary widely in molecular composition, nanostructure, and signaling strength. This rich variety of synaptic properties is essential for the memory and computational capacity of neural circuits. Resolving the mechanisms that drive synapse diversification is thus crucial for understanding how neural circuits operate and adapt. Recent work from us and others revealed that the structure and function of synapses is not only determined by the number, but also the nanoscale organization of synaptic proteins. As such, activity-driven changes in synapse nanostructure can thus drive adaptive changes in synaptic strength. This project aims to resolve how heterogeneity in molecular nanostructure shapes the functional diversification of synapses in defined neural circuits. In this project, you will use an array of approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, viral vector technology, and quantitative super-resolution microscopy, to resolve synaptic protein complexes at high resolution in defined synapses in brain tissue.

The successful candidate will be a member of the MacGillavry lab that is part of the larger neuroscience community at the Center for Neurogenomics and Neuroscience Research (CNCR) at VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We are a diverse group of enthusiastic molecular neuroscientists studying the processes that control synaptic transmission and plasticity at various levels and using a variety of techniques and analysis tools that we developed.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, critical, and creative candidate to join our group. The preferred candidate:

• holds a PhD in neuroscience.
• has expertise in molecular and cellular biology.
• has hands-on experience with advanced (super-resolution) microscopy.
• is enthusiastic to optimize labeling strategies and quantitative analysis pipelines to resolve synapse nanostructure in rodent brain tissue.
• is motivated to experimentally and conceptually integrate molecular and circuit level neuroscience.
• has good communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• the initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension upon positive evaluation. The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or national funding agencies).

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

This position will be in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience at the Center for Neurogenomics and Neuroscience Research (CNCR) at VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges.