We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate for a 4-year project that will be carried out at the Integrative Neurophysiology (INF) division at the  Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) at the VU Amsterdam.
https://inf.cncr.nl/research_teams/cortical_microcircuits_/
Our ability to think, reason, solve problems, depends on the activity of neurons in our brain. A critical requirement of fast neuronal computation is the ability of neurons to generate fast and stable output - action potentials. Because of difficult access to living human neurons, their function in supporting cognition remains largely unexplored. Our lab has extensive experience in studying the function of human neurons from neurosurgery patients. We recently showed that fast action potential signaling in human neurons directly links to cognitive ability in the same individuals. In addition, human neocortex contains neuron types not found in other mammals and these types are selectively vulnerable in brain disorders with cognitive decline. Exactly these neuron types have surprisingly fast signaling. How do these human-specific neurons achieve fast cellular computation supporting human cognition?
As a PhD candidate, your research will aim to encover the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fast input-output computation in human cortical pyramidal neuron types.


Your duties

During the research you will use the following approach:

• Electrophysiological recordings from human and rodent neurons in acute and cultured brain slices
• Use viral tools to manipulate target genes in organotypic cultures of human and rodent brain tissue
• Apply computational modeling to understand the mechanisms of fast computation

Futhermore, our lab is a part of academic environment where you will have an opportunity to participate in teaching and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

• Master degree in Neuroscience
• Prior experience in cellular electrophysiology in acute slices (patch clamp)
• Programming and data analysis skills (Matlab, python)
• Some experience with neuronal/slice culturing

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. You will be part of a collaborative, enthusiastic team consisting of multiple PhD-students and experienced post-docs in which we collectively work on important research questions. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,434 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,111 (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 total duration of 4 years.
Additionally, the VU 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
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

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.
 
ApplicationAre you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 01/12/2021.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
h.d.mansvelder@vu.nl
Name: Dr. Natalia Goriounova or Prof.dr. Huib Mansvelder
E-mail: n.a.goriounova@vu.nl or h.d.mansvelder@vu.nl

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