The Complex Trait Genetics (ctg.cncr.nl) and the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience labs (mcn.cncr.nl) labs at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) are seeking applicants for a PhD position in proteomics analysis of the human brain. The successful candidate will be part of an ERC project from the department of Complex Trait Genetics. The main aim of the project is to gain insight into the individual diversity of the human brain proteome, and the integration of this data with recent genetic and genomic discoveries, utilizing large-scale bioinformatic resources.

Various types of -omics analyses have shed light on the molecular architecture of the human brain. Single cell transcriptome analysis has advanced our knowledge on cell types and gene expression in the brain. New technologies in high-throughput proteomics analysis now allow to generate a comprehensive high-resolution description of protein expression of the human brain. The work of the candidate will focus on generating high resolution protein expression data of the human brain and applying existing analytical tools that integrate this data with other resources (e.g. scRNAseq, bulk mRNA, chromatin interaction data) and with results from genetic discovery studies for brain related disorders. Particular attention will be given to differences in molecular signatures between individuals and how this diversity relates to individual genetic make-up.  Also, the role of alternative splicing in generating protein diversity in different areas of the brain will be studied. Interpretation of these results in neurobiological and genetic context will be a very important part of the work. The candidate will work in an enthusiastic team of PhD students and postdocs, with diverse backgrounds, including, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, experimental neuroscience, psychology and stem cell biology.

You need to have experience with molecular neuroscience; ideally you have experience with proteomics analysis. You have affinity with working with large datasets and have knowledge of R, or other scientific coding/programming. Affinity with genetics is also preferred.

Your duties

• perform mass-spectrometry based proteomics analysis of the human postmortem brain
• apply bioinformatic tools for integrating results from different biological resources
• actively take part in discussions and have frequent contact with CNCR genetics and neuroscience labs
• authoring and co-authoring manuscripts submitted to high quality journals
• support (10% of time) with teaching
• frequently present work at international communities (at conference calls, or conferences)

• MSc in any of the of the following fields: Molecular Neuroscience, Biochemistry or Neuroscience and Genetics
• experience with molecular techniques, preferably proteomics; bioinformatics; computational biology
• a good ability to write and read English
• experience with Python, or R language and some experience with scientific programming
• support ‘open science’: share tools and data with the wider scientific community

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 €2,395 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: Promovendus (PhD) is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 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 total 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:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP), contribution to commuting expenses

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 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 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 around 6,000 students.