PhD Position in Human Neuroscience: Neurons and Circuits of Human Cognition

While we know that human cognition is unparalleled, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the specific neurons and circuits that support it. This PhD project, funded by European Research Consolidator grant focuses on the function of the specialized neuron types in the human cortex that are vulnerable in Alzheimer disease - layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons and Double Bouquet Cells (DBCs). Our previous work shows that human layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons have distinct physiological and morphological properties that distinguish them from other species and link to cognitive scores. These neurons might play a role of a hub in cognitive networks integrating information from thousands of synaptic inputs. To keep this excitation in balance it must be matched by inhibition. Another human specialized interneuron type – Double Bouquet cell – might provide this inhibitory balance. These neuron types are likely to be critical for human cognition as they are selectively lost in cognitive disorders. In this project you will investigate how these neurons function and form circuits in the human brain, and how their activity translates to more efficient computation.

Team
You will be part of our diverse and dynamic team Neurons of Human Cognition at the department of Integrative Neurophysiology at the Center for Neurogenetics and Cognitive Research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (https://cncr.nl/research-team/neurons_of_human_cognition/) . You will gain rare expertise in live human brain tissue research, using samples obtained from neurosurgery and will apply cutting edge molecular and electrophysiological techniques.

As a member of our team, you will:

• use single- and multi-cell patch-clamp recordings to map circuit dynamics
• apply viral tools to label neuron types in organotypic slice cultures
• use bioinformatic tools to explore already existing datasets
• develop computational models to understand how circuit function translates to better neuronal and network computation
• contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• publish your research and present to the international research community

We are seeking a highly motivated student with a background in Neuroscience or Biomedical Sciences. Specifically, we require:

• a master’s degree in life sciences, specialization in biomedical sciences, biophysics or neuroscience
• prior experience in cellular electrophysiology in brain slices (patch clamp)
• programming and data analysis skills
• excellent communication and writing skills in English

In addition, we value prior experience in:

• molecular biology, cell and organotypic culturing techniques
• computational modeling
• statistical analysis of big datasets

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• a position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• solid pension scheme (ABP)

The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl). This position will be in the Department of Integrative Neurophysiology.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorization and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterized by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programs. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our team? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application through the VU application system before June 1, 2025.

Please submit your cv, motivation letter, reference contacts or reference letters, and a copy of your master's diploma as part of the application process.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

If you have additional questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

dr. Natalia Goriounova (n.a.goriounova@vu.nl).

Please do not apply through mail, only applications through the VU application system will be considered.