PhD-student in molecular and cellular neuroscience

Project: Molecular mechanisms controlling astrocyte-synapse interactions.

Project description
Synaptic plasticity, the ability to modify synaptic strength in response to activity, is a fundamental process underlying learning and memory. Traditionally, the study of synaptic plasticity has primarily been focused on the molecular events in neurons that induce long-term alterations in synaptic structure and function. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that astrocytes, the most common glial cell type in the brain, play a key role in the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes can have numerous small protrusions that contact synapses. These fine perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) closely interact with synapses that allow precise regulation of synapse structure and function. Currently however, we lack a complete molecular understanding of the mechanisms through which astrocyte-synapse interactions modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity.

In this project, you will investigate the molecular processes that control the formation and activity-induced remodeling of astrocyte-synapse interactions. You will use CRISPR/Cas9-based labelling and perturbation techniques combined with advanced (super-resolution) microscopy techniques to study astrocyte-synapse interactions in different model systems (organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and hippocampal tissue sections).

This project is part of the interdisciplinary SUPERGLUE consortium, bringing together several groups from the VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC to investigate how subcellular compartments of the astrocyte control cognitive processing. You will exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. 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 the formation and activity-induced remodeling of astrocyte-synapse interactions using various techniques: molecular biology, cell and tissue culturing, viral delivery methods, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy
• perform and analyze microscopy 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, and (live-cell) fluorescence microscopy
• 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 € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (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
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

De Boelelaan 1100