PhD on stem cell research for Parkinson's disease

The project focuses on the development of a brain organoid model for Parkinson's disease that mimics aging to study the role of aging in Parkinson's disease and the therapeutic efficiency of stem cell-based strategies. It is a full-time position of 4 years, which will lead to a PhD thesis. The PhD student will be supported by technicians and surrounded by a team of PhD students that work with complementary techniques and topics. You will be based in Amsterdam UMC, and the work will be done in the framework of a collaboration between the Elga de Vries lab (Amsterdam UMC) and Wim Mandemakers (Erasmus MC).

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

Together with a team of scientists, you will develop a brain organoid model that mimics aging to study the role of aging in the progression of Parkinson's disease and the therapeutic efficiency of stem cell-based strategies. You will also publish manuscripts in international peer-reviewed journals, present the results at (inter)national conferences, and supervise bachelor and master students during the PhD period.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate with a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, or related field. Applicants with a medical degree (MD) are not eligible for this position. You have experience with cell culture and organoid culture, cellular biology techniques, and stem cell biology. Moreover, we are looking for someone:

• that is a team player and well-organized;
• with experience in RNA-seq analysis (preferred);
• that is proficient in English.

• 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, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Applicants with a medical degree (MD) are not eligible for this position. 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.

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.

Watch the video to find out more.

You will be supported by technicians and surrounded by a team of PhD students that work with complementary techniques and topics. You will be based in Amsterdam UMC, and the work will be done in the framework of a collaboration between the Elga de Vries lab (Amsterdam UMC) and Wim Mandemakers (Erasmus MC).

The Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences at Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center offers a multidisciplinary environment for research and (post)academic education. With internationally acclaimed research programs, the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and (neuro)psychiatric disorders is investigated from macro- to microscopic and molecular scale.

Within the department, the Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking (CNAB) section aims to translate basic preclinical research on Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease to the clinical setting and vice versa. This multidisciplinary section combines molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain repair, neuropathology and biomarker research.

Within the CNAB section the NeuroRepair team headed by Dr. Vanessa Donega investigates the regenerative potential of the aging and diseased human brain by combining state-of-the-art techniques including brain organoids, (single-cell) omics, and high-end microscopy.