Job Opportunities in Netherlands

Jouw functie

Project:
Decipher how m RNAs are captured at specific subcellular locations to support local translation in neurons

Project description:
Brain function requires precise regulation of the neuronal proteome, which involves localizing thousands of m RNAs to neurites for their translation at specific subcellular locations. The mechanisms that ensure the correct localization, capture and translation of m RNAs remain elusive. A better understanding is urgent since dysregulation of m RNA localization is increasingly emerging as a pathological event in neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Recent work from our group and others has shown that multiple organelles (lysosomes, mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum) interact with m RNA and translational machinery. The aim of this ERC-funded project is to investigate the exciting possibility that organelle interactions coordinate m RNA distribution, local capture and selective translation.

In this project, you will use genetic and imaging tools developed in the Koppers lab together with live-cell imaging and super-resolution imaging to investigate how different organelles and organelle contacts coordinate m RNA transport, localization and translation in neurons to support neuron function and survival. In addition, you will use proximity proteomics to identify proteins involved in organelle-m RNA contacts. The work will be carried out in rodent neurons in culture and human i PSC-derived neurons.


You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. All the core methodology, cell 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 Ph D candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Investigate and control the dynamics of organelles and m RNAs using novel genetic and imaging tools with live-cell and super-resolution imaging in cultured rodent neurons and human i PSC-derived neurons
• Perform proximity proteomics to identify novel proteins involved in organelle-m RNA interactions
• Publishing analyses in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• Contributing to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships

Jouw profiel

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 and cellular neuroscience, especially the methods and/or models listed above
• hands-on experience with imaging and/or bioinformatics advantage
• you are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills

Wat bieden wij

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2.872,00 (Ph D) per month during the first year and increases to € 3.670,00 (Ph D) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for another 3 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Over ons

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.
Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, Ph D candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.
The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl). This position will be in the Department of Functional Genomics and the project is: Uncover disease mechanisms in human cell models of severe mental disorders and design of new therapeutic interventions.

Interesse

Application

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 16/10/2024. Start date: January 2025.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: dr. Max Koppers
Position: Supervisor, team leader at CNCR
E-mail: m.koppers@vu.nl

No agencies