PhD Candidate in Mechanisms of Transfer of Maternal Effects

Introduction 

The Brain Plasticity Group  tries to understand how the brain adapts to a changing, or challenging, environment. We study changes in brain plasticity at the molecular level, structural, functional and behavioral level and want to understand how they are modified by lifestyle factors, like (early life) stress, nutrition, inflammation, physical exercise, psychoactive drugs, and changed in brain and metabolic disorders.

For a new project we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated PhD candidate to conduct research activities within the context of the Korosi lab , resulting in a doctoral dissertation. If you enjoy performing work in vivo and in vitro with animal models, do analysis of ‘-omics’ data (e.g. lipidomic, proteomic, metabolomic, RNA sequencing) and work in a team in a divers setting, than this position is perfect for you.

What are you going to do

The project you will be working on is aimed at studying the mechanisms of long-term programming of mental and metabolic health by early-life stress and early-life nutrition. It will focus in particular on if and how early adversity affects various barriers between mother and offspring (nutrient/hormone/cytokine transfer via the placenta, mammary gland and the blood brain barriers) and how this translates to sex-specific differences in the offspring. You will use established mouse models (at the UvA) and innovative placental fish models (at WUR) of early-life adversity, allowing the identification of potentially conserved mechanisms between species. All the animal models, equipment, analysis software are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• plan and perform scientific data analysis and experiments in an independent manner;
• critically analyze and interpret results; 
• take a leading role in writing manuscripts; 
• present your research results at local, national and international scientific meetings;
• interact with international and local researchers participating in the project;
• participate in the Research School and Faculty of Science PhD training programmes; 
• assist in teaching undergraduates and Master’s students;
• co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students).