Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder significantly influenced by immune system dysfunction. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and exploring avenues for the treatment of AD will be the goal of this position.

A dysfunctional immune response may contribute to the development of AD. Based on our previous findings we demonstrated that systemic immune modulation improves cognition, reduces amyloid deposits, and enhances A clearance. To further our mechanistic understanding of factors contributing to the transition from a healthy to a dysregulated immune response we propose that early and chronic social stress play a key role in this. To investigate this, we will determine how early life and social stress affect pathological inflammation, cognitive decline, and pathological aging in the brain. We will identify if a TNFR2 agonist can manipulate the stress-induced effects. And we will investigate these effects in two murine Alzheimer models (J20 and 3xtg).

Research environment
Research will be mainly performed in the Neurobiology group at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), which comprises several other strong, internationally recognized research groups in the field of molecular neurobiology and behavioral neuroscience.

Organization
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

- A Master degree in biology or biomedical science (or equivalent study), with relevant experience in the areas of behavioral and molecular experimentation and analyses.
- You have an educational background in one or multiple fields relevant to the described project, such as molecular biology, behavioural biology, and/or neurobiology.
- Previous experience with animal experimentation will be of advantage.
- A good command of English (oral and written).
- Excellent communication skills (indicated by the ability to write scientific papers and deliver presentations).

In the Netherlands, teaching and supervising students is an integral part of a researcher’s position. Therefore, you will be expected to assist with practicals in your field(s) of expertise, and to supervise undergraduate research projects.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- A salary of € 2,872 gross per month in the first year, up to € 3,670 gross per month in the final second year, based on a full-time position.
- A full-time position (1.0 FTE) for one year, with an extension of three years. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another 3 years; extension of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year so that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.

Uli Eisel
u.l.m.eisel@rug.nl

Jocelien Olivier
j.d.a.olivier@rug.nl