The candidate will carry out a research project concentrating on the regulation of adult neurogenesis by hormones and microRNAs.
Neurogenesis, the generation of neurons, is a delicately controlled process. In the adult hippocampus, a complex balance of factors keeps it within physiological range. In pathological situations, neurogenesis is aberrantly induced. This is well proven in animal models of epilepsy. This aberrant neurogenesis correlates with hallmarks of epilepsy in the human brain.
Alterations in neurogenesis are not unique to the epileptic brain. Alterations have been linked to other neurologic disorders such as addiction, stress and depression, stroke, schizophrenia and others.
In the laboratory, we extensively use confocal microscopy techniques, molecular biology and a wide range of RNAi effectors from synthetic siRNAs to short hairpin RNAs and artificial microRNAs. In combination with viruses engineered and optimized to deliver RNAi effectors to stem cells and newborn neurons in the hippocampus in vivo, our experimental approach provides and excellent opportunity to contribute substantially to a currently booming scientific field.
Requirements
- A Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular biology or equivalent.
- Experience with handling laboratory animals, basic molecular biological techniques, immunohistochemistry and cell culture are a requisite.
- Experience with stereotaxic surgery and electrophysiology is a plus.
- Experience with animal models of stress and confocal microscopy is well appreciated.
- Highly motivated, positive attitude.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Fluent use of the English language in written and verbal forms
Conditions of employment
The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The PhD student is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduates.
Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,042 in the first year to €2,612 in the final year, according to the Dutch salary scales for PhD students. The collective employment agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities is applicable.
Department
The Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam is one of Europe's foremost institutions of higher education and research in its chosen fields of specialization. It plays an active role in international science networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty has approximately 2,500 students and 1,500 staff members spread over 4 departments and 10 research institutes. Each institute has its own research programme, a substantial part of which is externally funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch government, the EU and various private enterprises.
In March 2009, a large part of the Faculty moved to new premises in the Science Park Amsterdam; the entire Faculty will be located there by the end of 2010. The move will make the Park one of the largest centres of academic research in the Netherlands.
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is the Faculty's largest institute. Its approximately 200 scientists and staff members work in 11 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: 1) The Living Cell, 2) Plant Signaling, 3) Neuroscience, and 4) Life Science Technologies.
Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences
Research group: Hormones and Brain Function
Funding information
Funding applies to:
Open to applicants from a range of countries
Contacts and how to apply
Administrative contact and how to apply:
To apply for this job please see the Apply for this job link on the Academic Transfer website.
Additional information
Project information can be obtained from Dr Carlos P. Fitzsimons (c.p.fitzsimons@uva.nl, +31 (0)20 525 8519).
