PhD - understanding how species-specific developmental timing shapes the human thalamocortical system

This 4-year PhD position focuses on understanding how species-specific developmental timing shapes the human thalamocortical system. The work combines stem cell models and organoids with single-cell and spatial omics.

Dit ga je doen

You will develop your own research project within the ERC-Starting grant program NeuroSync, supported by dedicated technicians and embedded in a dynamic team of PhD students and postdocs working with complementary technologies.

NeuroSync investigates how species-specific developmental timing and synchronization shape the formation of the human thalamocortical system. The project combines endogenous prenatal tissue, advanced human stem cell models, organoid and Chimeroid technologies, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and functional approaches to understand how developmental timing contributes to human cortical specialization and vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders.

This is a full-time position leading to a PhD thesis.

Hier ga je werken

The Department of Translational Neuroscience is the preclinical department of the Division Neuroscience at the University Medical Center Utrecht. The research mission of the Department of Translational Neuroscience is to discover and delineate mechanisms and processes which are fundamental to the development of neural systems and to the control of behavior, and to translate these to pathogenesis and disease models. The unique advantage of this department of Neuroscience is its embedding in the clinical environment of UMCU and its multidisciplinary character. The Department’s toolkit includes light sheet microscopy, optogenetics, electrophysiology/MEA, iPSC and organoid facility, viral vector generation and more.

Dit neem je mee

We are looking for a motivated and creative PhD candidate for a period of 4 years to join the NeuroSync project, a multidisciplinary research program focused on understanding how species-specific developmental timing shapes human brain development. The project is centered at the interface of stem cell biology, developmental neuroscience, and functional genomics, and is embedded in a collaborative, international research environment.

Candidates should have a background in neuroscience, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related field. Experience with human stem cell culture, organoids, molecular biology, imaging, transcriptomic approaches, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Candidates with different profiles and a strong interest in developing interdisciplinary skills are encouraged to apply.

Strong communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation in English, are essential. Proficiency in English written and spoken is required.

Dit bieden we jou

• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.