PhD-student in neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease pathology is characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles, as well as a loss of synapses and neuronal connectivity. How these pathological protein accumulations lead to neuron dysfunction and neurodegeneration is largely unclear. We have previously found that tau pathology causally disturbs dendrites and synaptic contacts. In this project, you will investigate how metabolic and neurotrophic signaling can be used to restore synaptic contacts between human IPSC-derived neurons with tau pathology and its potential to revert neuronal network dysfunction.

As a PhD student your main tasks and responsabilities are:

• Cell culture and differentiation of human IPSC-derived neurons;
• Biochemical assays, CRISPR gene editing and molecular biology;
• Advanced imaging methods including live cell imaging of synapse and network function, electron microscopy and cellomics;
• Quantitative analysis of biochemical and imaging data.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research;
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare;
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world;
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV;
• A contract for 12 months (extension possible for a maximum of 4 years);
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here;
• Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours;
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension;
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way;
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

The Faculty of Science of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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 programs 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.

About the department(s)
The department of Functional Genomics is part of the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research in Amsterdam, and the department of Human Genetics at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. Our PhD candidates participate in the Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam Rotterdam.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.