PHD position: Mechanisms of energy efficient fast signaling in human neurons


PHD position: Mechanisms of energy efficient fast signaling in human neurons
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Workplace	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Category	Life Sciences \| Environment
Position	Junior Researcher / PhD Position
Published	18 June 2025
Closing Date	15 June 2025
NL EN PHD position: Mechanisms of energy efficient fast signaling in human neurons Onderzoeksgebouw VU Amsterdam 1 / 1 Faculty of Science PhD MSc Closes on 15-08-2025 Publishing date 18-06-2025 Apply We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate for a 4-year project in the field of cellular neurophysiology that will be carried out at the Integrative Neurophysiology division at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research. Your function The focus of the project is on elucidating neuronal mechanisms of energy efficient signaling in human cortical neurons. A critical requirement of fast neuronal computation and better cognitive function is the ability of neurons to generate and maintain fast and stable output - action potentials. Because of difficult access to living human neurons, their function in supporting cognition remains largely unexplored. Our lab has extensive experience in studying the function of human neurons from neurosurgery patients. We recently showed that fast action potential signaling in human neurons directly links to cognitive ability in the same individuals. The project will focus on human cortical neuron types that are selectively vulnerable in diseases of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), since these neuron types show surprisingly fast signaling. In this project we will address the question of how these human-specialized neurons achieve fast synaptic and cellular signaling and how mechanisms of energy expenditure play a role, in both non-pathological and pathological conditions. The project is part of the Brainscapes consortium ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainscapes.nl&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainscapes.nl&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://brainscapes.nl ) which offers and exciting environment for scientific interactions and collaborations. Planned starting date for the project: fall 2025 Your duties During the research you will use the following approach: electrophysiological recordings from human and rodent neurons in acute and cultured brain tissue. perform immunohistochemical staining of acute, neurosurgical human brain tissue as well as post-mortem human brain tissue, and rodent brain slices use virus-mediated genetic tools to manipulate gene expression in organotypic cultures of human and rodent brain tissue apply computational modeling to understand the mechanisms of fast computation our lab is a part of academic environment where you will have an opportunity to participate in teaching and supervise Bachelor and Master students. Your profile strong motivation to pursue a research career msc degree in neuroscience prior experience in cellular electrophysiology in brain slices (patch clamp) prior experience in immunocytochemical staining methods experience with neuronal or organotypic slice cultures programming and data analysis skills (Matlab, Python) excellent communication and writing skills in English As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples: a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package solid pension scheme (ABP) About us Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) As of 2008, CNCR is the operational name of the Department of Neurosciences at the Faculty for Earth and Life Sciences (FALW, Vrije Universiteit). The CNCR is a vibrant scientific environment that generates integrated research programs from genes to behavior, each combining mouse and human studies ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcncr.nl%2F&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcncr.nl%2F&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://cncr.nl/ ). In our center, 150 people work closely together in defining how in essence simple molecular and cellular processes shape the emergent complexity of the brain. We have the specific ambition to unravel the mechanisms by which brain cells and circuitry act both in health and disease. We aim to translate mechanistic knowledge into understanding of (dys)function of the human brain. Our neuroscience research area covers analysis over many spatial levels, from genes to the intact organism, and over a large temporal scale, from microsecond molecular events to the years of functioning of the human brain. Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application before August 15, 2025. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated. Your function The focus of the project is on elucidating neuronal mechanisms of energy efficient signaling in human cortical neurons. A critical requirement of fast neuronal computation and better cognitive function is the ability of neurons to generate and maintain fast and stable output - action potentials. Because of difficult access to living human neurons, their function in supporting cognition remains largely unexplored. Our lab has extensive experience in studying the function of human neurons from neurosurgery patients. We recently showed that fast action potential signaling in human neurons directly links to cognitive ability in the same individuals. The project will focus on human cortical neuron types that are selectively vulnerable in diseases of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), since these neuron types show surprisingly fast signaling. In this project we will address the question of how these human-specialized neurons achieve fast synaptic and cellular signaling and how mechanisms of energy expenditure play a role, in both non-pathological and pathological conditions. The project is part of the Brainscapes consortium ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainscapes.nl&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainscapes.nl&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://brainscapes.nl ) which offers and exciting environment for scientific interactions and collaborations. Planned starting date for the project: fall 2025 Your duties During the research you will use the following approach: electrophysiological recordings from human and rodent neurons in acute and cultured brain tissue. perform immunohistochemical staining of acute, neurosurgical human brain tissue as well as post-mortem human brain tissue, and rodent brain slices use virus-mediated genetic tools to manipulate gene expression in organotypic cultures of human and rodent brain tissue apply computational modeling to understand the mechanisms of fast computation our lab is a part of academic environment where you will have an opportunity to participate in teaching and supervise Bachelor and Master students. Your profile strong motivation to pursue a research career msc degree in neuroscience prior experience in cellular electrophysiology in brain slices (patch clamp) prior experience in immunocytochemical staining methods experience with neuronal or organotypic slice cultures programming and data analysis skills (Matlab, Python) excellent communication and writing skills in English As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples: a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package solid pension scheme (ABP) About us Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) As of 2008, CNCR is the operational name of the Department of Neurosciences at the Faculty for Earth and Life Sciences (FALW, Vrije Universiteit). The CNCR is a vibrant scientific environment that generates integrated research programs from genes to behavior, each combining mouse and human studies ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcncr.nl%2F&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcncr.nl%2F&module=jobs&id=26204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://cncr.nl/ ). In our center, 150 people work closely together in defining how in essence simple molecular and cellular processes shape the emergent complexity of the brain. We have the specific ambition to unravel the mechanisms by which brain cells and circuitry act both in health and disease. We aim to translate mechanistic knowledge into understanding of (dys)function of the human brain. Our neuroscience research area covers analysis over many spatial levels, from genes to the intact organism, and over a large temporal scale, from microsecond molecular events to the years of functioning of the human brain. Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with excellent location and acce ssibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Questions about the vacancy? Please contact Huib Mansvelder Sectieleider en hoogleraar Send an email Interested Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application before August 15, 2025. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated. 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