The Neuroregeneration group (NRG), led by Prof Joost Verhaagen, aims to develop gene therapy to repair nerve damage in the central nervous system (CNS) and the Neuroimmunology Research (IMM) group, led by Prof Inge Huitinga, studies the molecular and cellular factors underlying the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In a joint research program of Verhaagen and Huitinga, funded by the Start2Cure Foundation,  we will develop a regenerative therapy to restore function in MS. Our approach is to apply cutting edge gene therapy technology to deliver therapeutic targets to the CNS. Targets will be identified in brain tissue of MS brain donors of the Netherlands Brain Bank (NBB) that exhibited a high intrinsic capability to repair MS-related damage. Together with Start2Cure, we will push for recovery of brain damage in MS by shortening the path from science to clinical application. For this ambitious project we are looking for a PhD student, a post-doctoral fellow and a technician. A second post-doctoral fellow has already joined the team.

PhD student, 1.0 fte, 4 years
This Ph.D. student will execute the transcriptomics analyses of MS brain tissues and will, together with the second PhD student, test the efficacy of targets in the MS animal models.

Desired skills: This PhD student has completed a Master in Neuroscience or in Biomedical Science or a related field. Experience with animal research is required. Experience with gene expression profiling, bioinformatics, human brain pathology, neuroimmunology and immune histochemistry would be important assets.

We also look for:

Post-Doctoral Fellow, 1.0 fte, 4 years
The post-doctoral fellow will perform transcriptomics and bioinformatics studies to identify targets in brain tissue of MS donors and will validate the efficacy of these targets in vitro using iPSC-derived human oligodendrocytes and in vivo in animal models for MS. He/she will supervise PhD student 1.

Desired skills: Knowledge of MS pathology, experience with human brain tissue, transcriptomics, analysis of large data sets and bioinformatics. Experience with MS animal models, cell isolation and cell culture is appreciated.

Technician, 1.0 fte, 4 years
The technician will be responsible for the development of non-invasive viral vectors, setting up and running the MS animal models and the functional testing in these models.

Desired skills: The technician has an bachelor in applied science (BAS) degree in zoology (HLO level; article 12). Experience with experimental animal research, preferably the MS models and/or behavioral testing. Experience with histological techniques would be an asset.

We are looking for team players with a specific interest in MS and brain repair, with excellent communication skills and an ability to work and troubleshoot independently and collaboratively.

The salary is in accordance with the regulations for academic personnel, and will range

• from €2395,- up to a maximum of €3061,- per month before tax for PhD students
• from €2329,- up to 3144,- gross per month for the technician
• from €3217,- up to 3886,- gross per month for the post doc

Resp. (excluding 8% holiday and 8,3% end of year allowance) based on a full-time appointment, and depending on expertise and previous experience. The gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities. We offer travel expenses, paid parental leave, flexible working hours, 30 days paid leave per year and help by finding a house.

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is an Academy research institute. It conducts basic and strategic research in the neurosciences. It examines how the human brain makes awareness, perception, movement, learning, social interaction and other cognitive functions possible. It also studies how brain disorders can disrupt these functions.