PhD Student in Neurogenesis, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

PhD Student in Neurogenesis, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands- Faculty occupies a leading position internationally in the field of research and participated in a large number of cooperation programs with universities, research institutions and businesses. Faculty have a body of about 3,000 students and 1,500 staff members, spread across eight research institutes and a number of faculty-wide support services. Most of this research was made possible by external funding from the Netherlands and international organizations and the private sector. Faculty of Science offers a Bachelor's degree programs and thirteen Master's degree program in eighteen fields of exact sciences, computer science and information studies, and life and earth sciences.

Since September 2010, all faculties have been placed in a new building in Science Park in Amsterdam. Installment of the Science Park faculty has made one of the largest academic research centers in the Netherlands.

Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the largest Faculty of the institution. Its approximately 200 scientists and staff members working in 13 research groups that conduct excellent research centered on four themes: 1) your life, 2) Signaling Plant, 3) Neuroscience, and Life Technologies 4) Science.

Participants will carry out research projects concentrate on adult neurogenesis regulation by hormones and microRNAs in animal models of epilepsy.

Plasticity in Structural and Functional research groups of the Nervous System (Neuroscience Center, theme 3), we offer vacancies for

PhD student in Neurogenesis
38 hours per week
vacancy number W11-213

Neurogenesis, the generation of neurons, is a carefully controlled process. In the adult hippocampus, a complex balance of factors keep it in the physiological range. In pathological situations, is aberrantly induced neurogenesis. This is evident both in animal models of epilepsy. This aberrant neurogenesis correlates with the advantages of epilepsy in the human brain.

Changes in neurogenesis is not unique to the epileptic brain. Changes have been associated with other neurological disorders such as addiction, stress and depression, schizophrenia stroke, and others.

In the laboratory, we are extensively using confocal microscopy techniques, molecular biology and various RNAi effector of synthetic siRNAs for short hairpin RNAs and microRNAs artificial. In combination with a virus engineered and optimized to deliver RNAi effector for stem cells and newborn neurons in the hippocampus in vivo, our experimental approach and provide a good opportunity to contribute substantially to the scientific field is currently booming.

Requirements

A teacher / academic degree in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, molecular biology or equivalent;
Experience with handling laboratory animals, the basic techniques of molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and cell culture are pre-requisites. Experience with stereotaxic surgery and electrophysiology is a plus. Experience with animal models of epilepsy and confocal microscopy is greatly appreciated;
Highly motivated positive attitude;
Ability to work independently as part of a team;
Fluent in English in written and verbal form.

More information
Project information can be obtained from Dr. Carlos P. Fitzsimons, e-mail: cpfitzsimons@uva.nl.

Please do not send applications to Dr. Carlos P. Fitzsimons, send them to application-science@uva.nl instead. Please see information further down the application.

Appointment
Appointment of full-time will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus 30 more months after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be prepared which includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The PhD student is also expected to assist in teaching students.

Based on full-time appointment (38 hours per week) gross monthly salary will range from € 2042, -, - in the first year and 2612, € - in the last year, according to the Dutch salary scale for PhD students. Collective work agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities apply.

Job application
Applications, quoting the number of vacancies and marked confidential (in the upper left corner of the envelope) should include a curriculum vitae. Applications should be sent to:

Dienst Personeelszaken
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica
Postbus 94 216
1090 GE Amsterdam
The Netherlands.

Applications can also be emailed to the application-science@uva.nl, bearing vacancy number in the subject line and the relevant documents as attachments.

The closing date for applications is January 31, 2012.