Job description
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common and currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the aggregation of tau and Aβ proteins in the brain. However, the neuropathological picture is often more complex than the aggregation of these two proteins alone. More than half of people with AD show additional aggregation of proteins associated with other neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease.
In this PhD project, you will investigate the mechanisms underlying the emergence of mixed neuropathologies in the brains of people with AD. You will work at the intersection of different neurodegenerative diseases and use human autopsy brain tissue, transcriptomics and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based cell culture models.
Your research will contribute to identifying disease mechanisms in AD, with potential relevance to other neurodegenerative disorders. During this four-year PhD project, you will work closely with molecular neuroscientists, neuropathology experts and bioinformaticians
Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.
You will investigate the biological mechanisms underlying mixed neuropathologies in Alzheimer’s disease. Your work combines human brain tissue research with advanced molecular and cellular models. You will:
- perform cutting-edge transcriptomic analyses;
- work with iPSC-based neural cultures and develop novel disease models;
- work with human autopsy brain tissue from people with Alzheimer’s disease, strengthening the translational impact of your research;
- study biological mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Requirements
We are looking for a motivated researcher with an interest in neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathology. You have:
- a Master’s degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, biology or a related field;
- a demonstrable interest in neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathology;
- a strong background in wet-lab research; experience with cell culture is an advantage;
- strong analytical skills; experience with bioinformatics is an advantage;
- good oral and written communication skills in English.
Conditions of employment
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
- A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
- Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here.
- Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
- 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
- Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
Employer
Amsterdam UMC
The Neuropathology Research team is part of the department of Pathology at Amsterdam UMC. The team consists of neuroscientists and neuropathologists working on research into neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and ALS, as well as other brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
The department works closely with the Netherlands Brain Bank, providing unique expertise in human neuropathology. The team has extensive experience with human tissue, histology, cell culture, microscopy and advanced molecular techniques, including transcriptomic analyses. Collaboration is central to the team, both within the department and Amsterdam UMC, across the VU and UvA campuses and within the Amsterdam Neuroscience community, as well as with leading researchers worldwide.
You will join a young and dynamic research team with an open and creative working environment. We encourage new ideas and innovative research projects and offer opportunities to develop your scientific expertise. Together, we work towards improving our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and ultimately contributing to better patient care.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
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.
Watch the video to find out more.
Additional information
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Vera Wiersma, Assistant Professor of Neuropathology, at v.wiersma@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring assessment 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 will not be considered.
Together @ Amsterdam UMC
Amsterdam University Medical Center is a leading medical center that combines complex high-quality patient care, innovative scientific research and education of the next generation committed health care professionals. Together we discover the healthcare of tomorrow.