PhD-student in molecular and cellular neuroscience

Onderzoeksgebouw VU

Amsterdam

1 / 1

Faculty of Science

PhD

MSc

Closes on

30-04-2025

Publishing date

31-03-2025

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The Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) is seeking a PhD-student in molecular neuroscience (molecular cell biology, super-resolution & live-cell microscopy, electrophysiology)

Your function

Project: Molecular mechanisms controlling astrocyte-synapse interactions.

Project description
Synaptic plasticity, the ability to modify synaptic strength in response to activity, is a fundamental process underlying learning and memory. Traditionally, the study of synaptic plasticity has primarily been focused on the molecular events in neurons that induce long-term alterations in synaptic structure and function. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that astrocytes, the most common glial cell type in the brain, play a key role in the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes can have numerous small protrusions that contact synapses. These fine perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) closely interact with synapses that allow precise regulation of synapse structure and function. Currently however, we lack a complete molecular understanding of the mechanisms through which astrocyte-synapse interactions modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity.

In this project, you will investigate the molecular processes that control the formation and activity-induced remodeling of astrocyte-synapse interactions. You will use CRISPR/Cas9-based labelling and perturbation techniques combined with advanced (super-resolution) microscopy techniques to study astrocyte-synapse interactions in different model systems (organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and hippocampal tissue sections).

This project is part of the interdisciplinary SUPERGLUE consortium, bringing together several groups from the VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC to investigate how subcellular compartments of the astrocyte control cognitive processing. You will exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. Core methodology, cell 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 duties
As a PhD candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:

investigate the molecular processes that control the formation and activity-induced remodeling of astrocyte-synapse interactions using various techniques: molecular biology, cell and tissue culturing, viral delivery methods, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy
perform and analyze microscopy 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 degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or biophysics with neuroscience specialization
hands-on experience with molecular and cellular neuroscience. Preferably, prior experience with molecular biology, and (live-cell) fluorescence microscopy
hands-on experience with imaging and/or bioinformatics advantage
you are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

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 € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (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 you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
contribution to commuting expenses
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

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, characterised 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. It 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. Learn more about our codes of conduct

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.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.