PhD Candidate in Parkinson’s Disease: Ubiquitin Regulation of Neuronal Survival

This PhD position at the University of Amsterdam focuses on uncovering why dopamine neurons degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD) by investigating ubiquitin-dependent control of neuronal survival. The project centres on the BCL2 protein family, specifically targeting MCL1—a short-lived protein critical for neuron viability—and its antagonist NOXA. Using proteomics, immunoprecipitation, and in vivo/in vitro models, the candidate will identify E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that regulate MCL1/NOXA balance, aiming to translate findings into potential PD therapies. The work bridges molecular neuroscience, proteomics, and neuropathology, offering interdisciplinary collaboration and autonomy in project direction.

• Design, execute, and analyse proteomics workflows (immunoprecipitation + LC-MS/MS) from neuronal cell models and brain tissue, interpreting quantitative data.
• Validate candidate ubiquitin regulators (E3 ligases/DUBs) biochemically, in cellular PD models, and in vivo using rodent experiments under approved licences.
• Analyse human post-mortem midbrain tissue to connect molecular mechanisms to Parkinson’s pathology.
• Present findings at international conferences and co-author manuscripts, while participating in the UvA PhD training programme.
• Supervise junior scientists (technicians, BSc/MSc students) and assist in undergraduate teaching.
• Document experiments meticulously and meet project deadlines for analyses, reports, and deliverables.