The Department of Translational Neuroscience is the preclinical department of the Division Neuroscience of the University Medical Center Utrecht. The research mission of the Department of Translational Neuroscience is to discover and delineate mechanisms and processes which are fundamental to the development of neural systems and to the control of behavior, and to translate these to pathogenesis and disease models.

The unique advantage of this department of Neuroscience is its embedding in the clinical environment of UMCU and its multidisciplinary character. The Department’s toolkit includes light sheet microscopy, optogenetics, electrophysiology, an own animal facility, viral vector generation and more.   

You will work on your own project, supported by technicians and surrounded by a team of PhD students and postdocs that work with similar and other technologies. The project focuses on disentangling functionally distinct midbrain neurons with roles in coding stress or reward (cues), and/or with specific projection targets. These aspects are important in drug addiction, eating disorders and depression. It is a full-time position, which will lead to a PhD thesis. Knowledge of neuroscience and experience with rodent handling are required. Familiarity with slice electrophysiology (e.g. patch clamp) and/or molecular or transcriptomic techniques are strengths. The candidate needs to have good writing and presenting skills (in English).

We seek a highly motivated and experienced PhD candidate with strong expertise in molecular and/or cellular physiological neurobiology. It is essential that the applicant is able and interested in working in a unique multidisciplinary team with researchers from several universities involved in this project. Knowledge of neuroscience and experience with rodent handling are required. Familiarity with slice electrophysiology (e.g. patch clamp) and/or molecular, transcriptomic or bioinformatics techniques are strengths. The candidate needs to be proficient in English.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Frank Meye ([email protected]) and/or Dr. Onur Basak ([email protected]). 

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO's), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Access to a variety of online courses through GoodHabitz.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.