"Postdoc project: In vitro models to study Neuron-glia interactions"

Job Description

We are looking for a candidate for a postdoc project that will be carried out at the section Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (MCN). Recent studies have shown that in addition to neurons, glial cells play a major role in synaptic function. As yet, it is unclear what the molecular mechanisms are that glial cells use to modify synaptic function. The overall aim of the project is therefore to obtain insight into the molecules that astrocytes use for interacting with synapses and to tune their function, in health and disease.

The candidate will study structural and functional interactions on the level of the tripartite synapse. For this, you will use in vitro cultures of neurons with astrocytes and perform screenings methods to identify molecules involved in the astrocyte-synapse interactions. Experiments will involve the isolation of cells and subcellular fractions from mouse brain as well as the use of human IPSC-derived neurons and glia cells. This will be complemented by genetic, proteomic and imaging techniques and subsequent data analyses. As such, we are looking for a candidate with an interest and experience in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Experience with in vitro molecular screenings methods is an advantage.

The position is part of the NWO SUPERGLUE consortium, a team-science project investigating astrocyte biology at multiple scales, from molecules to whole-brain function. As such, you will collaborate with an enthusiastic team of PhD students and postdocs from the lab of Mark Verheijen, as well as from other labs of the consortium at the VU and AUMC. The project is for 2 years, with the possibility to extend, and researchers that have the ambition to start developing their own research line are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Qualifications: PhD degree in neuroscience (or equivalent)
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Research experience in molecular and cellular biology, and in vitro cultures
• Affinity with molecular screening tools
• As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising 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 realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Conditions of Employment

Fixed-term contract: 2 year. 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 € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• a position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 2 year
• We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. 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
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package