PhD position: Stem cell models for neurodevelopmental disorders

17 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (VWS)

Research Field

Medical sciences
Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

3 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Purpose of the position

The project Cells4Thought aims to reveal causal links between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) by using human-relevant and animal-free models. The prevalence of NDDs has shown a spectacular and partly unexplained rise. There is evidence that exposure to chemicals may contribute to the incidence of NDD, however causal evidence is lacking. Cells4Thought employs the power of human induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic parts of brain development to study chemical effects on crucial processes of brain development such as neural network functioning and how gene-environment interactions contribute to the development of NDD.

In this PhD project you will further develop a model based on human induced pluripotent stem cells that differentiates to functional neuronal networks in vitro. In addition, you will perform a literature review on genetic mutations associated with NDD-related cognitive impairment and model these in stem cells using CRISPR-Cas technology. During the differentiation process to neural networks you will expose the cultures to chemicals and measure morphological, functional and molecular endpoints, using techniques such as RNA-seq, microelectrode arrays, and immunocytochemistry. You will work closely together with the Cells4Thought team, publish and present your findings in scientific journals and conferences, and conclude with a dissertation.

Unique for this position

In this PhD project you can work on a societal-relevant topic using cutting-edge scientific approaches. You will learn to work with iPSCs and CRISPR-Cas technologies, and innovative read-outs such as RNA-seq and microelectrode array measurements.

You will get the chance to perform your research in renowned organisations in the field of health and safety. RIVM has a unique position in the field of innovations in toxicology and animal-free research, with direct links to policy makers and involvement in many international research projects. AMC is a leading knowledge centre in the field of precision medicine. Your are supervised by an interdisciplinary team, with expertise in psychiatry, neuroscience, toxicology and molecular & cellular biology. With your PhD project, you will bridge these disciplines, bringing together different sources of knowledge that will lead to new scientific insights.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Requirements and competences for the position

• A MSc degree in Life Sciences, Cell or Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with an interest in Neuroscience or Toxicology.
• Affinity with the field Developmental Neurotoxicology or Neuroscience, and/or Molecular Biology.
• Good wet lab experimental skills, with experience with cell culturing, in vitro (toxicity) studies, and molecular biology.
• Previous experience with iPSC culture and differentiation models and/or CRISPR-Cas will be considered as a plus.
• Highly motivated multi-tasker with exquisite attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English at a level appropriate to scientific research. Verbal communication in Dutch is appreciated.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others, having a proactive attitude and good communication skills.

Certain vaccinations are required to be allowed to work in the laboratory.

Additional Information
Benefits

Salarisomschrijving: The salary corresponds to the OIO salary scale according to the working conditions. You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. The appointment is temporary for the duration of 4 years. Your salary € 2.945,77 gross per month (based on 36 hours a week) in the first year, ascending to € 3.662,77 gross per month in the fourth year.

In addition the RIVM has many attractive employee-conditions, such as personal development, study facilities, an individual employee conditions choice system (IKB) and a commuter’s allowance (based on public transport).

• Dienstverband: Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd
• Contractduur: 48 months
• Minimaal aantal uren per week: 36
• Maximaal aantal uren per week: 36

Naast het salaris ontvang je een Individueel Keuzebudget (IKB). Het IKB bestaat uit geld (16,37% van je bruto jaarsalaris) en tijd. Met het IKB maak jij de keuzes die bij jou passen en kun je een deel van je arbeidsvoorwaarden zelf samenstellen. Je kunt er bijvoorbeeld voor kiezen om een deel van je maandinkomen te laten uitbetalen wanneer jij dat wenst. Ook kun je dit budget omzetten in verlof en andersom of besteden aan fiscaal vriendelijke doelen. De Rijksoverheid hecht sterk aan persoonlijke groei en loopbaanontwikkeling en biedt daarvoor tal van mogelijkheden. Tot de secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden behoren onder meer verschillende studiefaciliteiten, bedrijfsfitness, volledige vergoeding van je OV-reiskosten woon-werkverkeer en gedeeltelijk betaald ouderschapsverlof.

Selection process

Bijzonderheden 

We would like to receive your application only via the digital application form. If you claim a priority position, please also enclose a copy of that notification. We are curious about your motivation for this position and would like to see an explanation of this in your application letter. In addition, we ask you to describe your activities in detail in your CV, so that we can make a correct assessment of your experience.

Certain vaccinations are required to be allowed to work in the laboratory. There will be two rounds of interviews. The first round will be on Monday 11 March between 9:00 and 17:00 at the RIVM in Bilthoven. The second round will be on Friday 22 March in the afternoon at the AUMC location AMC in Amsterdam.

After the closing date, March 4th, the vacancy text will no longer be visible online. We therefore recommend that you download and save the text after you have applied.

Solliciteren?

Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM) nodigt je uit op hun site te solliciteren. Via onderstaande knop verlaat je deze site ga je direct naar het sollicitatieformulier. Het Rijk hecht waarde aan een diverse en inclusieve organisatie. Werken in divers samengestelde teams maakt ons effectiever, innovatiever en het werk leuker. Eenieder wordt daarom uitgenodigd te solliciteren.

Additional comments

Are you interested in the position of PhD stem cell models to investigate effects of chemicals on neurodevelopmental disorders? Send your application via the button below to Janine Ezendam, Head of the Department of Innovative Testing Strategies. Applications received by e-mail will not be processed. If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you can contact Dr. Victoria de Leeuw, +31 6 11785669.

Bijzonderheden 

We would like to receive your application only via the digital application form. If you claim a priority position, please also enclose a copy of that notification. We are curious about your motivation for this position and would like to see an explanation of this in your application letter. In addition, we ask you to describe your activities in detail in your CV, so that we can make a correct assessment of your experience.

Certain vaccinations are required to be allowed to work in the laboratory. There will be two rounds of interviews. The first round will be on Monday 11 March between 9:00 and 17:00 at the RIVM in Bilthoven. The second round will be on Friday 22 March in the afternoon at the AUMC location AMC in Amsterdam.

After the closing date, March 4th, the vacancy text will no longer be visible online. We therefore recommend that you download and save the text after you have applied.

Solliciteren?

Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM) nodigt je uit op hun site te solliciteren. Via onderstaande knop verlaat je deze site ga je direct naar het sollicitatieformulier. Het Rijk hecht waarde aan een diverse en inclusieve organisatie. Werken in divers samengestelde teams maakt ons effectiever, innovatiever en het werk leuker. Eenieder wordt daarom uitgenodigd te solliciteren.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337863/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (VWS)

Country

Netherlands

City

Bilthoven

Postal Code

3721 MA

Street

Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337863/phd-position-stem-cell-models-for-ne…

Contact

City

Den Haag

Website

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ministerie-van-volksgezondheid-welzijn-en-sport

Street

Parnassusplein 5

Postal Code

2511VX

STATUS: EXPIRED