Deadline: 15 January 2026
Degeneration of synapse structure and function induced by overproduction of ß-amyloid (Aß) is broadly recognized as an early hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synapse loss precedes cognitive decline and preventing synapse loss in animal models of AD protects against cognitive failure. However, we have surprisingly little insight in the molecular events that lead to the loss of synapses. In this project, you will use diverse molecular tools, electrophysiology and super-resolution microscopy to resolve the Aß-induced molecular events in neurons that lead to pathological synapse dysfunction.
You will be part of a diverse lab studying molecular processes underlying synaptic transmission and plasticity and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. Core methodology, 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.
As a PhD candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:
• investigate the molecular processes that lead to pathological synapse dysfunction in AD using various techniques: neuronal cell culture, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, super-resolution microscopy, and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology
• perform and analyze microscopy and electrophysiology data
• publish in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• present your work to the international research community
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
• a master degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or biophysics with neuroscience specialization
• hands-on experience with molecular biology and cellular neuroscience
• experience with super-resolution microscopy and/or electrophysiology is an advantage
• you are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills
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.
What do we offer?
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 € 3,059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3,881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 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:
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• optional model for designing a personalised benefits package
• contribution to commuting expenses
