PhD student molecular neuroscience

Join the project "Molecular mechanisms of synapse degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease" and use diverse molecular tools to resolve the Aß-induced molecular events in neurons that lead to pathological synapse dysfunction.

Project Description

Degeneration of synapse structure and function induced by overproduction of ß-amyloid (Aß) is broadly recognized as an early hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synapse loss precedes cognitive decline, and preventing synapse loss in animal models of AD protects against cognitive failure. However, we have surprisingly little insight into the molecular events that lead to the loss of synapses. In this project, you will use diverse molecular tools, electrophysiology, and super-resolution microscopy to resolve the Aß-induced molecular events in neurons that lead to pathological synapse dysfunction.

You will be part of a diverse lab studying molecular processes underlying synaptic transmission and plasticity, exploiting a variety of techniques and analysis tools. Core methodology, models, equipment, analysis software, and viral vectors are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses on campus.

Your Function

As a PhD candidate, your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Investigate the molecular processes that lead to pathological synapse dysfunction in AD using various techniques: neuronal cell culture, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy, and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology
• Perform and analyze microscopy and electrophysiology data
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• Contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• Present your work to the international research community

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or biophysics with neuroscience specialization
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and cellular neuroscience
• Experience with super-resolution microscopy and/or electrophysiology is an advantage
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and good communication skills

We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes 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 organization. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research, and service for a better world. In return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A salary of €3,059.00 (PhD) up to €3,881.00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• An employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract

We also offer attractive fringe benefits and arrangements, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• Contribution to commuting expenses

About Us

The CNCR in Amsterdam participates in the Graduate School ONWAR. This position will be in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational, and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation, and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates, and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterized by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude, and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes and employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely—a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance, and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Contact:
Harold MacGillavry, PIEmail: m.koppers@vu.nl