PhD-student in molecular neuroscience

Project:
How nanoscale molecular processes at synapses control memory formation

Project description:
Synaptic plasticity, the ability to modify synaptic strength in response to neuronal activity, plays a central role in the capacity of the brain to encode memories. It is thus important to understand the molecular events that induce long-term alterations in synaptic structure and function. Recent super-resolution microscopy studies from our lab and others showed that activity-dependent remodeling of synaptic nanostructure is important for synaptic plasticity. However, while these findings revealed an exciting new level of nano-structural plasticity that is relevant for memory formation, the molecular processes that coordinate these processes remain unresolved. In this project, you will investigate how nanoscale molecular processes at synapses control memory formation. You will use CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, super-resolution microscopy, optogenetics and electrophysiology to study synapse nanostructure and function in different model systems (dissociated hippocampal neuron cultures, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and hippocampal tissue sections).

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 the molecular processes that control synapse nanostructure and function using various techniques: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy, optogenetics and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology
• perform and analyze microscopy and electrophysiology data
• publish in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• present 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. Preferably, prior experience with molecular biology, (live-cell) fluorescence microscopy and/or electrophysiology.
• 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:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

De Boelelaan 1085