Postdoc in neuroscience of obesity

A major challenge in obesity treatment is the rebound in body weight that often follows successful weight loss—whether achieved through pharmacological interventions, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy or Ozempic), or lifestyle strategies, including caloric restriction and exercise. Most individuals eventually regain the lost weight, resulting in weight cycling, commonly known as the “yo-yo” effect.

This ZonMw Vici project aims to unravel how microglia–neuron interactions in the hypothalamus contribute to obesity and weight regain after weight loss interventions. A key approach involves analyzing postmortem human brain tissue from individuals with acquired or genetic obesity to identify molecular signatures linked to obesity and weight loss. Promising microglial and neuronal targets will then be investigated in obese animal models to dissect the underlying cellular mechanisms and test potential compounds that modulate microglial pathways, with the ultimate goal of developing anti-obesity treatments that prevent weight rebound.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in translational neuroscience.

You will lead a project focused on developing organoid-like human brain slice cultures from postmortem tissue to study microglia–neuron interactions using single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches. You will also test potential microglia- and neuron-targeting anti-obesity drugs in these ex vivo systems.

In parallel, you will collaborate with a team of postdocs, PhD students, and technicians working with genetic animal models to investigate microglial metabolic pathways involved in obesity and weight regain.

As a postdoc, you are highly motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about translational neuroscience. You are creative, curious, and have a problem-solving mindset. Moreover, you have strong team spirit, but also work well independently. Additionally, you:

• have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field;
• have experience with ex vivo brain slice or organoid culture;
• preferably have experience in bioinformatics or multi-omics data analysis;
• are a great communicator and have experience working with academic and/or industry partners;
• are proficient in spoken and written English;
• are willing to participate in autopsies for postmortem tissue collection (in collaboration with the Netherlands Brain Bank).

• 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.
• Salary scale 10: € 3.598 to € 5.669 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
• 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.

Our Team: The Yi Lab is part of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism within the Division of Internal Medicineat Amsterdam UMC. We focus on understanding how microglia–neuron interactions regulate neuroendocrine function and contribute to metabolic disorders.

We collaborate closely with: 1) Endocrinologists at Amsterdam UMC and other medical centers to study patients with metabolic diseases. 2) Industry partners to develop next-generation anti-obesity therapeutics. 3) The Netherlands Brain Bank for studies using postmortem human brain tissue.

Diversity & inclusion: We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research environment that reflects the society we serve. We warmly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, orientations, and cultures who can contribute to our collaborative and innovative research community.