Project:
How nanoscale molecular processes at synapses control memory formation

Project description:
Synaptic plasticity, the ability to modify synaptic strength in response to neuronal activity, plays a central role in the capacity of the brain to encode memories. It is thus important to understand the molecular events that induce long-term alterations in synaptic structure and function. Recent super-resolution microscopy studies from our lab and others showed that activity-dependent remodeling of synaptic nanostructure is important for synaptic plasticity. However, while these findings revealed an exciting new level of nano-structural plasticity that is relevant for memory formation, the molecular processes that coordinate these processes remain unresolved. In this project, you will investigate how nanoscale molecular processes at synapses control memory formation. You will use CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, super-resolution microscopy, optogenetics and electrophysiology to study synapse nanostructure and function in different model systems (dissociated hippocampal neuron cultures, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and hippocampal tissue sections).

You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. All the 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 synapse nanostructure and function using various techniques: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy, optogenetics and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology
• perform and analyze microscopy and electrophysiology 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

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, (live-cell) fluorescence microscopy and/or electrophysiology.
• 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.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

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 € 2.872,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.670,00 (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:

• 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
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl). 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.