The goal of the project is to uncover neuronal network changes that lead to migraine attacks. Next you will use neurobiological and molecular methods to influence, and prevent, negative effects on brain function and pain perception. Techniques involve in vivo electrophysiology (EEG, multi-unit activity), optogenetics and optical Ca2+ imaging in freely behaving mice, combined with pharmacological modulations and molecular pathway analysis. We expect that these studies will allow identification of relevant changes and mechanisms of brain function that are predictive of the initiation of migraine attacks, in relation to important migraine triggers.

In short:

• ·        You will study the mechanisms that initiate migraine attacks
• ·        You have a master’s degree related to the subject
• ·        You have experience with in vivo neurophysiologicalresearch and, ideally, are eligible to work with experimental animals
• ·        You are able to work in a multidisciplinary setting

You have a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, technical medicine or related studies and are technically skilled. Preferably, you have certified permission to carry out experimental animal research (in Dutch: ‘artikel 9 certificaat’). Experience with in vivo surgery, electrophysiology, optical imaging or behavioral studies and Matlab signal analysis is an advantage. A flexible work approach and good communicational skills are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Above all, you are enthusiastic, creative and ambitious.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for a maximum of four years, to be completed with a doctoral thesis. Your salary is € 2,357 gross per month in the first year, amounting to € 3,020 in the fourth year (scale PhD students, CAO-UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

http://www.lumc.nl/

The Department of Human Genetics

The Department of Human Genetics consists of sixteen self-contained research units that perform research in four different themes. The research team led by Prof. Van den Maagdenberg and Dr. Tolner  belongs to the research theme ‘Functional Genomics of Muscle, Nerve and Brain Disorders’. This theme links to the LUMC’s Medical Profile Area ’Translational Neuroscience’. There are strong collaborations with other departments within the LUMC, including Endocrinology, Neurology and Molecular Cell Biology, as well as with many research groups within and outside the Netherlands. The department is part of the Graduate School Medisch Genetisch Centrum Zuid-West Nederland (MGC). You will work in a multidisciplinary team of neurobiology researchers at this department (Dr. Else Tolner and Prof. Dr. Arn van den Maagdenberg) and the department of Endocrinology (Prof. Dr. Onno Meijer). The project is in close collaboration with clinical migraine researchers at the Department of Neurology.