Job ID: 119794
PhD student – Energy metabolism in synapse development
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 31 August 2024
Employment Start Date: 1 September 2024
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Institution: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
Department: Synapse and Network Development
Description:
Are you interested in how synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial function help wire the developing brain? Do you want to use cutting-edge optical techniques for live cell imaging, including 2-photon microscopy? Would you enjoy working in an international environment where you follow up on your ideas with the support of experts around you? Then this job may be for you.
What you will be doing?
The developing mouse visual cortex is wiring up during the week before eye opening and neurons establish most of their synapses during that time. Synaptic transmission is very energy demanding and developing neurons need to provide sufficient energy to fuel transmission at emerging synapses. In this Health-Holland funded project, we will measure the energy balance of developing synapses, how synaptic plasticity affects the energy balance of neurons and whether energy metabolism at developing synapses may be compromised in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
You will be able to take advantage of the latest microscopy approaches, such as 2-photon microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging, to investigate how developing synapses satisfy their energy demands. Since these processes underly proper wiring of the brain, it is not surprising that errors in energy metabolism are associated with developmental disorders and therefore your project may not only help better understand brain wiring, but also shed light on the underlying causes of developmental cognitive disorders.
Who are we looking for?
You are a highly motivated, self-driven candidate with a Master’s degree in neuroscience, (neuro)psychology, biomedical sciences or natural sciences. The ideal candidate will have experience with neurophysiological and/or live cell imaging techniques and a solid background in neuroscience. Programming skills – in particular with Python for data analysis – will be very useful for your project. You are a team player and comfortable communicating, presenting and writing in English.
What do we offer?
We offer ample opportunities for further development of knowledge and technical and personal skills through courses at the Academy and (inter)national conferences and:
- Good terms of employment (see further)
- Mentoring, supervision and training
- Access to state-of-the art equipment
- A stimulating international research environment
Application and information
Please submit your application via the button Apply now, as soon as possible but before September 1, 2024 and include:
- A Curriculum Vitae
- An application letter, stating how your education, goals and interests align with this position
- Two reference letters
Evaluation of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For additional information please contact Dr. Christian Lohmann (c.lohmann@nin.knaw.nl).
About the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is the country’s leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, in the international and progressive city of Amsterdam. It provides a critical mass of scientists (spanning more than 27 nationalities) and neuroscience facilities, in a highly interactive, dynamic, multi-cultural environment, with English as the working language.
Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 2.770 and the maximum salary is € 3.532 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.
Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.
Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.
We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.