PhD-Student in Cellular Neuroscience

This project investigates the mechanisms of dense-core vesicle (DCV) trafficking and secretion in human neurons. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and live-cell imaging, it aims to uncover how neuropeptides are regulated and linked to brain disorders.

Jouw functie

The CNCR in Amsterdam participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl) and is seeking applications for a PhD-student in cellular neuroscience (Synaptic physiology, High-resolution imaging) for the Department of Functional Genomics, VU/Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam.

Project: Mechanisms of neuropeptide signaling in human brain

Job description:

Neurons communicate by secreting a variety of chemical signals. Neuropeptides are by far the largest group of chemical signals in the brain and involved in numerous brain functions, from sleep to cognition. Yet, the way these signals are produced, packaged in vesicles (DCVs), transported and secreted is still poorly understood. Moreover, dysregulation of neuropeptide signaling is implicated in a wide range of brain disorders (e.g., autism, mental retardation) and neuropeptides are used as a treatment for many of these (e.g. epilepsy). The aim of this project is to unravel the mechanisms of DCV trafficking and secretion in neurons, from their biogenesis in the soma to the final fusion at synapses. This project uses human iPSC-derived neurons and genetically encoded reporters to detect DCV trafficking and fusion. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we have already generated mutations in a collection of candidate genes, also mutations associated with human brain disorders. In addition, we have obtained samples from human patients and generated human neuron models from these. This project will use life cell imaging to analyze DCV trafficking and secretion in these human models. We have previously established detection of DCV secretion in living neurons with single vesicle resolution and characterized several molecular factors that regulate secretion. In this project we will exploit these tools/methods to characterize the secretory pathway and dysregulation in disease.

You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of other analysis tools available here. You will be appointed in Amsterdam and work primarily in Amsterdam with regular visits to the other labs. The PhD-students will be trained on site. All the methodology, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project.

Jouw profiel

We are looking for a student with the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, with a specialization in neuroscience
• Previous experience in molecular and cellular neuroscience, especially with the methods described above
• Hands-on experience with image analysis and programming
• Motivation to pursue a career in science

Wat bieden wij

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 € 2.872,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.670,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for another 3 years.

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
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Over ons

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity

We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programs cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.