Postdoc researcher in molecular neuroscience

The perception of our environment relies on well-organized networks in our brain. But as our environment is constantly changing, these networks need to adapt to effectively process this information, without getting over- or under-active. To counteract this, homeostatic mechanisms are needed to maintain activity levels within physiological range. The overarching goal of this project is to provide a molecular understanding of the homeostatic mechanisms allowing neurons to maintain networks in balance while efficiently transmitting sensory information.

Homeostatic plasticity of synaptic transmission is a well-studied mechanism aiming at maintaining the firing rate of neurons around a set point, which is crucial for sensory processing. Importantly however, the initiation of action potential firing is ultimately controlled at the axon initial segment. My lab and others have shown that neuronal activity actively regulates AIS composition and function. AIS plasticity thus represents a powerful mechanism to adjust neuronal output. However, its role in sensory processing remains largely unclear.

In this project, you will use transcriptomics and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated endogenous protein tagging, combined with electrophysiology and super-resolution imaging in vitro and in vivo to determine how sensory experience shapes the axon initial segment, and how this regulates neuronal excitability and participates in network activity homeostasis.

We are looking for a highly motivated scientists with the following qualifications:

• A PhD degree in neuroscience or cell biology/biophysics with neuroscience specialization;
• Hands-on experience with electrophysiology in brain slices, molecular and cellular neuroscience, especially the methods and/or models listed above;
• Hands-on experience with bioinformatics is an advantage;
• You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills;
• You are a team player and want to join a collaborative and dynamic group of science enthusiasts.

• 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 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 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 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.

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.