PhD Cellular Neuroscience

About the project

The title of the project is: In vitro human cortical microcircuits to advance stem cell-based precision medicine for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorders (mNDDs) affect about 1 in 6 children in the EU for which currently no general effective therapy exists. This project is part of the ZonMW-open program “Human cortical microcircuits-on-a-chip: a new discovery platform to advance stem cell-based precision medicine for neurodevelopmental disorders”, in which neuroscientists, nanoscientists, and computational neuroscientists collaborate to develop new methods to identify biological causes for mNDDs with the aim to develop personalized medicine.

In this project, we will use new induction methods to create GABAergic interneurons in vitro from human inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We will use microfluidic chips to recreate simple microcircuits in vitro with different combinations of these interneurons and glutamatergic cells. Cellular and microcircuit properties will be analyzed with patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging and high-density multi-electrode arrays (HD-MEAs). You will use these in vitro models to study microcircuits defects in STXBP1 patients and to test new drug candidates. One of the leading hypotheses is that E/I balance is disturbed in neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to altered information processing in the brain. Together we will test if and how cellular and synaptic parameters are changed in these patient-derived interneurons and microcircuits.

About the role

You will be part of (inter)national research networks and exploit a variety of other analysis tools available. All the methodology, cell models, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses on campus. During the PhD you will write several scientific publications that will be combined in a PhD thesis. As a PhD student, your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Creating and investigating in vitro microcircuits of human neurons from patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, using iPSC technology, genome editing, fluorescence imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and HD-MEAs;
• Publishing analyses in the best peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources;
• Contributing to teaching activities, including supervision of BSc and /or MSc students during internships
• Presenting your work to the research community.

Profile

• A master degree in (Medical) Biology, Biophysics or Physics, or similar degree;
• Hands-on experience with the methods listed above;
• A strong motivation to pursue a career in science;
• Hands-on experience with Matlab or Python is an advantage;
• Proficiency in the English language.

Our offer

• A challenging position in a socially involved organization.
• A contract for the duration of the training program, with the prospect of a permanent position. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.
• Placement in salary scale OIO: € 3.017 (1st year) to € 3.824 (4th year) gross based on a full-time employment. Additionally, you will receive, among other things, an 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% holiday allowance. Calculate your net salary here.
• Free and unlimited access to our online learning platform GoodHabitz.
• Pension accrual with ABP, of which we pay 70% of the premium.
• Reimbursement of your public transportation travel costs. Prefer to come by bike? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sporting) activities and events.

About the workplace

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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 programs 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.

About the department

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. Our PhD candidates participate in the Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam Rotterdam.

Lets meet

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely. Note: Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact L. Niels Cornelisse, Project leader, via l.n.cornelisse@vu.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.