Decipher how mRNA localization and local protein synthesis regulate synapse formation and function.
Deadline: 6 Nov ’26
Published: 19 Oct ’26
- Research fields: Neurosciences
- Job types: PhD
- Education level: University graduate
- Weekly hours: 38 hours per week
- Salary indication: €3204—€4051 per month
- Location: De Boelelaan 1100, 1081HZ, Amsterdam
Job description
Project description
Our ability to walk, talk and form memories requires that neurons in our brain form, maintain and adapt billions of synaptic connections to establish functional neuronal circuits. It is unclear how neurons supply the protein complexes required to build these synapses in the right time and place. This project aims to provide a molecular understanding of how synapses are formed with spatiotemporal precision.
While protein synthesis was long considered to occur exclusively in neuronal cell bodies, recent research from our group and others has revealed that mRNA localization allows neurons to rapidly synthesize new proteins at defined subcellular locations. Indeed, hundreds of mRNAs are found at synapses. However, we do not know how these mRNAs are precisely captured and translated at specific sites, and how this contributes to the formation of functional synapses.
Synapse formation is initiated by the interaction between cell surface proteins on both sides of a synapse. My lab has recently uncovered that specific cell surface proteins bind mRNAs and translational machinery in neurons. This provides a powerful way for neurons to regulate the localization and selective translation of mRNAs. The aim of this NWO-funded project is to investigate this exciting new mechanism and examine how mRNA capture and translated are regulated and contribution to synapse formation and function.
In this project, you will use and develop genetic and imaging tools established in the Koppers lab together with live-cell imaging and functional assays to:
- Unravel the molecular mechanisms of synaptic mRNA capture and translation during synapse formation
- Control synaptic mRNA localization to modulate synapse formation.
The work will be carried out in rodent neurons in culture and human iPSC-derived neurons.
You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. All the core methodology, cell models, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses on campus.
Your duties
As a PhD candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:
- Imaging of mRNA, translation and receptors at synaptic sites in cultured rodent and human iPSC-derived neurons
- Investigate and control the dynamics mRNAs and ribosomes by developing novel genetic and imaging tools with live-cell and super-resolution imaging
- Performing functional assays to study synapse formation and function
- Publishing analyses in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
- Contributing to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
- Presenting your work to the international research community
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- a Master degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or biophysics with neuroscience specialization
- Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular neuroscience, especially the methods and/or models listed above
- Hands-on experience with imaging is an advantage
- You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills
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.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 1 year.
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 € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (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
- solid pension scheme (ABP)
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
Employer
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The Functional Genomics department is made up of an enthusiastic, international team of young professionals, employing a wide range of experimental approaches—from molecular genetics to behavioral analyses (see http://www.cncr.nl/departments/). You will work closely with PhD students, postdocs, and analysts. The department has an informal, friendly atmosphere, and communication with colleagues is open and approachable. The working language is English.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
The CNCR in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) participates in the Graduate School ONWAR (www.ONWAR.nl). This position will be in the Department of Functional Genomics and the project is: Uncover disease mechanisms in human cell models of severe mental disorders and design of new therapeutic interventions.
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.
Additional information
Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 06/11/2026. Prospective start date: between January and March 2027.
Submitting a diploma, a reference check are part of the application procedure.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
Working at VU Amsterdam
Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.