PhD-Student in Cellular Neuroscience

The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) 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: Molecular mechanisms of functional diversity in synaptic networks

Job description:
Molecular specializations of pre- and post-synaptic compartments arise from genetic, environmental, and activity-dependent signaling pathways that are active during synapse formation and plasticity, and disrupted in neuropathology. These processes diversify the properties of synaptic transmission and activity-dependent plasticity in neuronal networks, and are critical for the brain’s information processing and memory storage functions.

Synapse-type-specific plasticity, although well-characterized at the network level, remains poorly understood at the molecular level. The aim of this project is to investigate how target-specific differences in the molecular composition, nanoscale organization and dynamics of synaptic receptor complexes tune synaptic transmission efficacy, activity-dependent plasticity, and information processing in neuronal networks.

We have recently developed new endogenous protein labeling strategies and imaging techniques for studying how glutamate receptor organization influences synaptic transmission and plasticity, both in situ, in brain slice preparations, and in vivo. In this project, we will exploit these advanced molecular tools and imaging techniques to investigate how the molecular diversity and unique nanoscale organization characteristics of synapses arise, and how this in turn defines their functional properties.

You will gain hands-on experience in slice electrophysiology, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, endogenous protein labeling methods, 2-photon functional imaging techniques using biosensors and optogenetic tools for visualizing and manipulating synapse function, and ultrafast 4D and super-resolution imaging with lattice light-sheet microscopy.

You will be appointed in Amsterdam and work primarily in Amsterdam, where you will be able to exploit a variety of methodology, equipment, and analysis tools established here. As part of an international research network, you will have opportunity to visit other labs during the PhD training and work with a team of experts in molecular neuroscience and advanced imaging technologies.

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

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 € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (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

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.