The project
Synapses are the computational units of the brain and synaptic dysregulation is central to many brain disorders (‘synaptopathies’). However, systematic annotation of synaptic genes is currently lacking. Together with the Broad Institute in Boston, the CNCR has recently established SynGO (www.cncr.nl/projects/syngo), an international consortium of 20 expert labs worldwide that produced >1100 expert-curated annotations of synaptic genes. This project aims to utilize the valuable SynGO resource for structural, functional and evolutionary analyses of synapse data. 

Job description
As a potential PhD student your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Development of additional data analysis tools for the SynGO online web portal
• Structural, functional and evolutionary analyses of synapse data in SynGO
• SynGO database expansion, guidance of expansion by researchers in the field
• Publish analyses in the best peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• Requirements We are looking for a junior scientist with the following qualifications. a master degree in biomedical sciences with neuroscience specialization
• hands-on experience with bioinformatics (preferably R). Web design experience is an advantage
• excellent organizing skills (communication with SynGO consortium partners)
• a strong motivation to pursue a career in science

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,325 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €2,972 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract can be extended for a duration of 4 years. PhD-graduation is optional. Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting allowance based on public transport

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 23,000 students. We employ more than 4,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

The Faculty of Science
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 programmes 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.