Postdoctoral researcher in Neurobiology Multiple Sclerosis

This is a Postdoctoral researcher in Neurobiology Multiple Sclerosis position.

• Education: WO
• 36 hours a week
• Salary: € 3.724 - € 5.867

Job description

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Current disease-modifying therapies are non-curative and do not reverse progression. On the level of tissue, MS lesion progression is prevented by remyelination, a natural regeneration process after demyelination that is crucial for functional recovery and neuronal survival. In this project, you will build further on our research aimed at deciphering MS lesion evolution by decoding region-distinct differences in cellular signaling and regulatory networks. You will generate and integrate global proteomic and phosphoproteomic signatures of MS lesion rims and cores in parallel with region-specific long-read RNA sequencing. This will allow you to link changes in signaling networks and RNA- and protein isoforms to molecular processes involved in lesion expansion and lesion transition. This multi-omics data approach will further the functional disentangling of molecular and cellular pathways underlying ongoing demyelination in lesion rims and successful remyelination or remyelination failure in lesion cores. The novel layer of changes in RNA and protein diversity will advance our understanding of MS and may thereby identify novel therapeutic targets.

The position is funded by Stichting MS Research.

Working environment

The research at the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) at the UMC Groningen focusses on understanding basic functions and processes of cells, tissues and organs and how they lead to diseases if disturbed. The department BMS strives to identify potential mechanisms and targets to prevent or cure disease, and to promote healthspan. The position will also be embedded in the MS Center Noord Nederland (www.mscnn.nl), a collaborative setting of MS research and patient care between the departments of Neurology and BMS of the UMCG with Neurology departments of different hospitals in the Northern Netherlands.

What do we need

A junior Postdoc with a PhD degree in molecular cell biology or a related field. We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher with affinity for neuroscience and a strong scientific drive. Expertise with bioinformatic analysis is an advantage. Furthermore, you will need a flexible working attitude, team player mentality, good oral and written communication skills in English, and a result-driven and pro-active attitude.

What do we offer

This is a full-time junior postdoc position for a temporary contract of 12 months, preferably starting in January 2027, with the possibility of an extension for at least 12 months. The starting salary is dependent on your qualifications and relevant experience in scale 10 (max. € 5.867 gross salary based on a full-time position). Additionally, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).