PhD-student in cellular neuroscience

Project:

Decipher how mRNAs are captured at specific subcellular locations to support local translation in neurons

Project description:
Brain function requires precise regulation of the neuronal proteome, which involves localizing thousands of mRNAs to neurites for their translation at specific subcellular locations. The mechanisms that ensure the correct localization, capture and translation of mRNAs remain elusive. A better understanding is urgent since dysregulation of mRNA localization is increasingly emerging as a pathological event in neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Recent work from our group and others has shown that multiple organelles (lysosomes, mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum) interact with mRNA and translational machinery. The aim of this ERC-funded project is to investigate the exciting possibility that organelle interactions coordinate mRNA distribution, local capture and selective translation.

In this project, you will use genetic and imaging tools developed in the Koppers lab together with live-cell imaging and super-resolution imaging to investigate how different organelles and organelle contacts coordinate mRNA transport, localization and translation in neurons to support neuron function and survival. In addition, you will use proximity proteomics to identify proteins involved in organelle-mRNA contacts. The work will be carried out in rodent neurons in culture and human iPSC-derived neurons.

You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. All the core methodology, cell models, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses on campus.

Your duties
As a PhD candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Investigate and control the dynamics of organelles and mRNAs using novel genetic and imaging tools with live-cell and super-resolution imaging in cultured rodent neurons and human iPSC-derived neurons
• Perform proximity proteomics to identify novel proteins involved in organelle-mRNA interactions
• Publishing analyses in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• Contributing to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• Presenting your work to the international research community

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• a Master degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or biophysics with neuroscience specialization
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular neuroscience, especially the methods and/or models listed above
• hands-on experience with imaging and/or bioinformatics advantage
• you are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.872,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.670,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

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

De Boelelaan 1085