PhD in proteomics analysis of the human brain

The Complex Trait Genetics (ctg.cncr.nl ) and the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience labs (mcn.cncr.nl ) labs at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl ) are seeking applicants for a PhD position in proteomics analysis of the human brain. The successful candidate will be part of an ERC project from the department of Complex Trait Genetics. The main aim of the project is to gain insight into the individual diversity of the human brain proteome, and the integration of this data with recent genetic and genomic discoveries, utilizing large-scale bioinformatic resources.

Various types of -omics analyses have shed light on the molecular architecture of the human brain. Single cell transcriptome analysis has advanced our knowledge on cell types and gene expression in the brain. New technologies in high-throughput proteomics analysis now allow to generate a comprehensive high-resolution description of protein expression of the human brain. The work of the candidate will focus on generating high resolution protein expression data of the human brain and applying existing analytical tools that integrate this data with other resources (e.g. scRNAseq, bulk mRNA, chromatin interaction data) and with results from genetic discovery studies for brain related disorders. Particular attention will be given to differences in molecular signatures between individuals and how this diversity relates to individual genetic make-up. Also, the role of alternative splicing in generating protein diversity in different areas of the brain will be studied. Interpretation of these results in neurobiological and genetic context will be a very important part of the work. The candidate will work in an enthusiastic team of PhD students and postdocs, with diverse backgrounds, including, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, experimental neuroscience, psychology and stem cell biology.

You need to have experience with molecular neuroscience; ideally you have experience with proteomics analysis. You have affinity with working with large datasets and have knowledge of R, or other scientific coding/programming. Affinity with genetics is also preferred.

Your duties

• perform mass-spectrometry based proteomics analysis of the human postmortem brain
• apply bioinformatic tools for integrating results from different biological resources
• actively take part in discussions and have frequent contact with CNCR genetics and neuroscience labs
• authoring and co-authoring manuscripts submitted to high quality journals
• support (10% of time) with teaching
• frequently present work at international communities (at conference calls, or conferences)