PhD-student in cellular neuroscience (genomics, cell biology, life cell imaging)

PhD-student in cellular neuroscience (genomics, cell biology, life cell imaging)
PhD-student in cellular neuroscience (genomics, cell biology, life cell imaging)

Published	Deadline	Location
today	30 Nov	Amsterdam

Are you interested in understanding human brain disease and working with living human neurons in a dish? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Project: Uncover disease mechanisms in human cell models of severe mental disorders and design of ...
Job description
We use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to produce human neurons and create human neuronal networks in vitro that model severe mental disorders, such as the SNAREopathies[1] , a group of disorders characterized by severe developmental delay, intellectual disability and often epilepsy. Currently we have no cure for these patients beyond seizure control. This project aims to characterize cellular deficits in these models, especially for the most prevalent group (mutations in STXBP1), and to design strategies to correct these deficits.
You will work in a team of basic scientists, clinicians and the patient families to understand how mutations in SNARE genes lead to disease and how symptoms may be alleviated in the future. This project builds on previous studies in the department that have established genomic, proteomic and cellular changes in SNAREopathy cell models, in neurons from SNAREopathy patients and in animal models for the disease. These changes will be investigated further and connected to establish the cellular basis of the disease. New cellular functions of STXBP1 will be explored using molecular techniques. This will form the starting point to design intervention strategies. The project is part of two larger programs, the SUN2 consortium with partners in Sweden and the US, and a Lundbeck foundation program on SNAREopathies (with a Danish partner). You will participate in international meetings and exchange of data. The department also performs collaborative research with large biotech/pharma companies on SNAREopathies and new therapeutic strategies will be developed together with these and our spin out company Neurospector. All the methodology, cell models, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project.
[1] Verhage and Sørensen (2020) Neuron 107(1): 22-37.
Your duties: Together with the SUN2 and Lundbeck teams you will

• characterize cellular disease models (cultured human neurons)
• perform genomic, proteomic and cellular analyses on these models
• perform bioinformatic analyses using your own data and large public data resources
• integrate your findings with clinical data (symptoms, EEG, etc)
• host patient-family days and provide information about your work to the families
• present your work to the research community the consortia
• supervise BSc and /or MSc students during internships
• contribute to teaching activities (10%)

Specifications

• max. 38 hours per week
• €2541—€3247 per month
• Amsterdam View on Google Maps

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Requirements
We are looking for candidates with:

• a Master degree in (Medical) Biology, Biophysics or Physics
• preferably with hands-on experience in iPSC technology and other cellular assays in neuroscience
• a strong intrinsic motivation to make impactful contributions to the field of neuroscience
• experience with Matlab is an advantage

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,247 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.
The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for another 3 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Employer
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.
Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.
The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.
Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.
About the department, institute, project
The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl ) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl). This position will be in the Department of Functional Genomics and the project is: Uncover disease mechanisms in human cell models of severe mental disorders and design of new therapeutic interventions.
Additional information
Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 30/11/2022.
Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.
Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
Name: prof. Matthijs Verhage
Position: Head of the Functional Genomics Department
E-mail: [email protected]
No agencies
Working at VU Amsterdam

Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.

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