PhD Position in Modifying Synapses to Mitigate Alzheimer's Disease
Investigate synaptic plasticity and engram cell modulation to enhance resilience against Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Best for:Best for candidates with an MSc in Neuroscience and practical experience in rodent behavioral models and electrophysiology.
Overview
The University of Amsterdam is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join the Memory and Plasticity team at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences. This project explores how modifying glutamatergic receptor composition at synapses can mitigate cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. The successful applicant will utilize a combination of rodent models, electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and behavioral interventions to study memory engram cell ensembles. This interdisciplinary research is conducted in collaboration with the Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience and Brain Plasticity groups. The position offers a four-year appointment focused on advancing neurobiological understanding of memory resilience.
What you'll do
- Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the four-year appointment period.
- Conduct experiments using behavioral paradigms, viral technologies, and electrophysiology in rodent models.
- Analyze and interpret complex neurobiological data to contribute to scientific publications.
- Take a leading role in drafting and submitting research manuscripts.
- Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme and attend scientific meetings.
- Assist in teaching and supervising Bachelor and Master’s students.
- Engage in literature reviews and active participation in internal lab meetings.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Neuroscience or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Fluent in English (written and spoken); willingness to learn Dutch
Instruction: English
- Experience with learning and memory research
- Proficiency in performing animal experiments
- Experience with behavioral and neurobiological techniques
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills
- Statistical analysis and data interpretation capabilities
- Must hold an MSc degree in a relevant field
- Must be able to work with rodent models
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Submit your application online via the provided portal. Ensure all documents, excluding the CV, are combined into a single PDF file.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Contact details for two references
Contact
Harm Krugers· Principal Investigator
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