Postdoc project: Neuron-glia interactions in memory

One postdoc position is available at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (www.cncr.nl) Amsterdam, in the team of Mark Verheijen (Glial Regulated Neuronal Plasticity).

Your function

We are looking for a candidate for a 3 years postdoc project that will be carried out at the section Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (MCN). Recent studies have shown that in addition to neurons, glial cells play a major role in synaptic function. So far, it is unclear what the molecular mechanisms are that glial cells use to modify synaptic function and the storage and retrieval of memories. The overall aim of the project is therefore to obtain insight into the molecules that astrocytes use for interacting with synapses and to tune their function, in health and disease.

The candidate will perform genetic manipulation of astrocytes to study their structural and functional interaction with neuronal networks underlying memory storage and retrieval. For this, you will execute stereotactic surgeries to deliver viral vectors to specific brain regions implicated in memory. Furthermore, experiments will involve testing (transgenic) mice in behavioral paradigms complemented by molecular and imaging techniques and subsequent data analyses. As such, we are looking for a candidate with an interest in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Experience with any of the techniques mentioned is an advantage.

Your profile

The position is part of the NWO-XL SUPERGLUE consortium, a team-science project investigating astrocyte biology at multiple scales, from molecules to whole-brain function. As such, you will collaborate with an enthusiastic team of PhD students and postdocs from the lab of Mark Verheijen, as well as from other labs of the consortium at the VU and AUMC. 

Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in neuroscience (or equivalent)

  • Fluent in English (spoken and written)

  • Research experience in molecular and cellular biology

  • Affinity with experimental animal work

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 minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for at least 1 FTE. An employment contract for the period of 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
  • a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

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.

Your function

We are looking for a candidate for a 3 years postdoc project that will be carried out at the section Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (MCN). Recent studies have shown that in addition to neurons, glial cells play a major role in synaptic function. So far, it is unclear what the molecular mechanisms are that glial cells use to modify synaptic function and the storage and retrieval of memories. The overall aim of the project is therefore to obtain insight into the molecules that astrocytes use for interacting with synapses and to tune their function, in health and disease.

The candidate will perform genetic manipulation of astrocytes to study their structural and functional interaction with neuronal networks underlying memory storage and retrieval. For this, you will execute stereotactic surgeries to deliver viral vectors to specific brain regions implicated in memory. Furthermore, experiments will involve testing (transgenic) mice in behavioral paradigms complemented by molecular and imaging techniques and subsequent data analyses. As such, we are looking for a candidate with an interest in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Experience with any of the techniques mentioned is an advantage.

Your profile

The position is part of the NWO-XL SUPERGLUE consortium, a team-science project investigating astrocyte biology at multiple scales, from molecules to whole-brain function. As such, you will collaborate with an enthusiastic team of PhD students and postdocs from the lab of Mark Verheijen, as well as from other labs of the consortium at the VU and AUMC. 

Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in neuroscience (or equivalent)

  • Fluent in English (spoken and written)

  • Research experience in molecular and cellular biology

  • Affinity with experimental animal work

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 minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for at least 1 FTE. An employment contract for the period of 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
  • a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

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.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Mark Verheijen

Associate Professor

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.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Mark Verheijen

Associate Professor

Application procedure

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