Approximately one third of the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases are characterized by tau inclusions.  Despite a causal relation between tau pathology on one hand and neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms on the other, it is unknown how tau pathology causes neuronal dysfunction. Recently, we have developed the first in vitro FTD-tau model that shows a spectrum of tau pathology load and importantly GranuloVacuolar degeneration Bodies (GVBs). Using this model we could demonstrate that GVBs are lysosomal structures that are induced by intracellular tau pathology. We hypothesize that GVBs are induced as a protective lysosomal stress response of the neurons to developing tau pathology that presents a decision point in the pathogenesis. Our in vitro model presents a unique opportunity for further study of the role of GVBs in the transition of FTD-tau pathology to neurodegeneration. This project is aimed to characterize the mechanism of GVB formation and their role in neurodegeneration, ultimately to identify a target in the neurodegenerative pathway that underlies FTD-tau.

• a MSc in biomedical sciences or neurosciences
• Background in cell and molecular biology
• Motivated to perform fundamental science applied to a clinical research problem

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 €2,325 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €2,972 (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 a duration of 4 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

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 24,500 students. We employ more than 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

The Faculty of Science
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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 around 6,000 students.
 
This is a PhD-project in the Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Dept. of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research.