Key Skills

Job Description

Are you interested in the neurobiological processes of learning and memory, and how we can use this knowledge to make the brain more resilient to the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? Then this position might be perfect for you. Join us! Working at the UvA Join us! Glutamatergic synapses are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The composition of their receptors can modulate resilience and sensitivity to memory deficits, in particular those induced by amyloid beta (Aβ), a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease. In this project you will investigate whether and how modifying the composition of glutamatergic receptors at synapses, using both molecular tools and behavioral interventions, can reduce age-related cognitive decline in and thereby enhance resilience to AD pathology. In addition, you will study the role of engram cell ensembles in this process. The position is embedded within the Memory and Plasticity team of dr. Harm Krugers at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam (UvA). This is a collaborative project with Prof. dr. Helmut Kessels (Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience group, UvAmsterdam) and Prof. dr. Paul J Lucassen (Brain Plasticity group, UvAmsterdam). The PhD candidate works in the respective groups where complementary and excellent expertise is available (e.g. electrophysiology will be combined with chemogenetics and behavioral interventions). A good salary Your salary will be determined on the basis of your experience and seniority, in accordance with the Labour agreement. Your grading and therefore the amounts mentioned are based on full employment of 38 hours per week. 232 vacation hours We also offer parental leave, partner leave and social engagement leave. Through the Employment Conditions Menu Card, there are opportunities for even more vacation hours. Financial arrangements On top of your salary, you receive holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). You build up a good pension with ABP. And in addition, we offer many other allowances and schemes. Career development and room for growth The UvA encourages you to continue to professionalise through training courses and open UvA lectures. Family matters Relocating to the Netherlands with your family? Find out about daycare, schooling, health insurance or employment options and support for your partner or spouse. Including the IDCN-network which provides support for your spouse through various training sessions, social activities, and networking events. All About This Vacancy This is what you will do You will use behavioral paradigms to assess learning and memory in a rodent model of AD. You will apply viral technologies to identify and measure the properties of synapses and engram cells and establish their role in memory. These techniques can include electrophysiology, proteomics, dendrite and spine reconstructions, chemogenetics, and memory engram-specific interventions. Tasks and responsibilities: complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years; gain knowledge of the field through literature, discussions with team members and internal lab meetings; contribute to the design of experiments, perform experiments in the lab and analyse and interpret results of these experiments; take a leading role in writing manuscripts; be an active member of the research teams at both the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (UvA) and present results at (inter)national scientific meetings; participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme; assist in teaching and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students What We Ask Of You You are excited about science and have a particular interest in, and preferably have experience with neurobiological approaches towards learning and memory. You like a challenge and can combine work on preclinical rodent models with techniques like behaviour, electrophysiology, molecular biology and structural analysis. You have good statistical skills and experience with molecular tools and data-analysis. You are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists. Finally, you have good time management skills enabling you to meet the projects’ deadlines for finishing analyses, reports and other deliverables. Your experience and profile: experience with learning and memory research. a MSc degree in Neuroscience or related fields; affinity and experience with performing animal experiments; affinity and experience with common behavioural and/or neurobiological techniques; good analytical, writing and presenting skills; fluent in English, both written and spoken and the willingness to learn Dutch (in case not Dutch native speaker) This Is What We Offer You A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date of the project, which should lead to a PhD thesis, is 4 January 2027. We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3.204in the first year to €4.051 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable. Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits: 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime); multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; a complete educational program for PhD students; a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution; the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch; help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here. Your place at the UvA You will work in this team The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. Krugers and Kessels are respectively part of the Brain Plasticity group and the Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience group (at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS). SILS is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, the Swammerdam Institute carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences. Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam. About The Faculty Of Science Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, whether it concerns elementary particles, the birth of the universe, or how the brain functions. The Faculty has a student population of approximately 8,000 students, as well as 1,800 staff members working in education, research, or support services. Important to know Your application & contact If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 October 2026. If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact: Dr. Harm J Krugers, [email protected] Prof. dr. H Kessels, [email protected] Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file): a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, highlighting also the tools and skills you acquired; a letter of motivation; the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines) Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. The interviews will be held in November 2026. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture. Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Core Responsibilities

Conduct research on synaptic receptor composition, memory, and resilience to Alzheimer’s disease using rodent models, behavioral paradigms, and molecular and neurobiological techniques. Analyze and interpret results, lead manuscript writing, present findings, contribute to teaching and student supervision, and complete a PhD thesis within four years.

Requirements

Applicants should have an MSc in Neuroscience or a related field, experience or affinity with learning and memory research and animal experiments, and familiarity with behavioral or neurobiological techniques. Strong analytical, statistical, writing, presentation, and time-management skills are expected, along with fluent English and willingness to learn Dutch if not a native speaker.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• Year-End Bonus
• Pension
• 232 Vacation Hours Per Year
• Parental Leave
• Partner Leave
• Social Engagement Leave
• Professional Development Courses
• PhD Training Program
• Dutch Language Courses
• Housing Assistance