PhD Researcher: Mechanisms of ALS Pathology Focusing on TDP-43

This PhD position at Amsterdam UMC focuses on investigating the biological mechanisms underlying TDP-43 pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The candidate will map early pathological cascades leading to TDP-43 aggregation using post-mortem human brain tissue, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, and CRISPR technology. The research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for ALS patients with TDP-43 protein clumping. The PhD will collaborate closely with molecular neuroscientists, neuropathologists, and patient advocacy groups, contributing to translational research with direct clinical relevance. The project is funded by Stichting ALS Nederland and offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment within Amsterdam UMC’s Neuroscience community.

• Conduct CRISPR screens in iPSC-derived neuronal cell cultures to study early-stage TDP-43 aggregation mechanisms
• Analyze post-mortem human brain tissue from ALS patients to validate findings and assess translational relevance
• Develop and apply advanced cell culture models to investigate molecular pathways contributing to ALS pathology
• Engage with patient communities to integrate patient perspectives into research design and outcomes
• Collaborate with neuropathologists and molecular neuroscientists to design and execute interdisciplinary research projects
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals