Tau aggregation underlies neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Neurons respond to this challenge to protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in different manners.

In this project (funded by Alzheimer Nederland) we will study the mechanism neuron-astrocyte proteostatic stress signaling induced by tau pathology, which is an early event in the pathogenesis that precedes neurodegeneration and presents a novel potentially modifiable disease mechanism. This project will give novel insight into the pathomechanism of tau-mediated dementia.

We use state-of-the-art technology and (iPSC) cell models to model proteostatic disturbance in neurodegenerative diseases including tau aggregation.

See, for example:

• Granulovacuolar degeneration bodies are neuron-selective lysosomal structures induced by intracellular tau pathology
• Intraneuronal tau aggregation induces the integrated stress response in astrocytes
• Neuron‐specific translational control shift ensures proteostatic resilience during ER stress)

Candidates should have a strong motivation and ambition to pursue a career in the molecular and cell biology of dementia. Our group focuses on proteostatic stress mechanisms and is part of the Center for neurogenomics and cognitive research.

In addition you have the following qualifications;

• A master degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or biophysics with neuroscience specialization;
• Hands-on experience with iPSC cell models;
• You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills.

• A contract for the duration of the project. We offer an initial contract for 12 months, that can be extended for another 36 months after interim evaluation.
• Salary scale OIO : € 2.901 tot € 3.677 gross, based on 36 hours/week. The monthly wage will increase yearly to the maximum wage in the fourth year.
• In addition we offer an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• Free and unlimited access to our online learning environment: GoodHabitz.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. Amsterdam UMC contributes 70% of the premium.
• We reimburse 75% of you public transport commuting costs. Would you rather bike? We have a good bike arrangement in place.
• You can choose to participate in the active staff association, as well as the Young Amsterdam UMC association, which both organize fun activities and events.

Amsterdam UMC

You will be part of international department of researchers and fellow PhD's at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and Amsterdam UMC.

While you will be employed with AMC, you will be working in the department of Functional Genomics in Center for neurogenomics and cognitive research at the VU.