Postdoctoral Researcher in placenta-brain axis

Perinatal mental disorders contribute enormously to societal and health burdens, impacting not only the pregnant and/or breastfeeding women but also increasing the risk of mental disorders in her offspring. The mechanisms underlying this transmission remain not fully understood. Alterations in the neuronal-immune-hormonal triad have been found to associate with depressive symptoms in pregnancy. It has been suggested that these biological alterations may affect the intrauterine environment, negatively impacting the developing fetus and shaping the offspring risk for the development of negative outcomes later in life. 

We are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to expand our team. The project you will be working on is part of a larger EU research consortium HappyMums . In this project we focus both on the mothers as well as her offspring and will investigate the placenta-brain axis within the mothers and how impact of maternal stress is transmitted to her offspring. We will focus in particular on the (neuro)immune system within (1) the placenta and (2) the nervous system.

We aim to:
1)    study the mechanisms at play along the placenta-brain axis by which adverse prenatal conditions experienced by

       the mother are transmitted to their developing offspring in utero, shaping their risk for developing negative mental

       outcomes later in life (in mice, livebearing fishes and human brain organoid models);
2)    study how these mechanisms along the placenta-brain axis change in live-bearing animal lineages during the

       evolution of a placenta (in livebearing fishes).

You will work in the group of Dr. Korosi at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), one of the research institutes of the University of Amsterdam. The project will take place in close collaboration with Dr. Bart Pollux of Wageningen University. Dr. Pollux and colleagues focus on the causes, mechanisms and consequences of placenta evolution in fishes.  

What are you going to do?

In this project, you will focus on the immune and neuroimmune system in the mothers and in the offspring and study these systems in the placenta and the brain of the mothers (fish and mice) as well as the brains of the offspring (in live bearing placental fishes). In addition you will explore opportunities to use human brain organoid models as well.

Tasks and responsibilities: 
•    gain knowledge of the field through literature survey, discussion with team members and internal lab meetings;
•    contribute to the design of experiments and perform experiments;
•    analyze and interpret results of experiments;
•    analyze omic data of various nature;
•    take a leading role in writing manuscripts;
•    present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;
•    assist in teaching undergraduates and Master’s students;
•    co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students and PhD students).

What do we require? 

You have/are:
•    a recent PhD degree in Neuroscience/(Neuro-Immune related fields) with one or more publications as

     first author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal;
•    preferentially skilled in big data (statistical) analyses including bioinformatics and programming (R, Pyton);
•    in possession of the Article 9 certificate and hands-on experience in and affinity with performing

     animal experiments;
•    basic knowledge on classical neuroscientific methods (e.g. dissections, immunohistochemistry, western blot,

     PCR, in vitro assays, cell type sorting), molecular approaches;
•    good project and time management skills and a team player;
•    an ambitious person who can take ownership of the research project. You are organized, independent,   

     pro-active and perseverant in the face of a setback;
•    excellent analytical and communicative skills and a clear and concise writing style;
•    fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Our selection will be based on your scientific track record, your vision on this research project, and your ambition and skills.

Our offer 

A temporary contract for 30,4 - 38 hours a week, preferably starting on 1 June 2024 for the duration of 12 months. An extension of 12 months subsequently follows if we assess your performance positive.      

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €3.226 to €5.090 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here .

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation?

Please contact: Dr. Aniko Korosi, tel. + 31 (0)20 525 7626 and email [email protected]

About the Faculty of Science and the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences  

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 17 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Within the Brain Plasticity group we study structural and functional plasticity of the brain in relation to stress and disease. One focus area includes the birth of new nerve cells in the adult brain, a process called 'adult neurogenesis', and the role of stress on neural plasticity, especially when it occurs during vulnerable periods of early and adolescent life. We try to understand how plasticity is 'programmed' for life, how external factors (such as stress, disease, nutrition, drugs, exercise and enriched environment) influence plasticity, and what (functional) role plasticity plays in cognition and behavior, and disorders such as depression, dementia, anxiety, burnout, and PTSD.

Application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 15 March 2024. You can apply online by using the link below.  

Applications in .pdf should include:
•    a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
•    a letter of motivation;
•    the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the first half of April 2024.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines )

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.