PhD-Student in Cellular Neuroscience, Amsterdam

Organisation/Company: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) Research Field: Physics Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Country: Netherlands Application Deadline: 13 Sep 2024 - 21:59 (UTC) Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Not Applicable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programmeIs the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description

The CNCR in Amsterdam (see

) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR ( ) 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 the 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 programmingMotivation to pursue a career in science Additional Information

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 Are you interested in this position?

Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter.

Start date: From December 1st 2024, no later than February 1st 2025. Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

#J-18808-Ljbffr