University of Amsterdam
5 days ago
PhD Position in Modifying Synapses to Mitigate Alzheimer’s Disease University of Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Paid PhD employment at the University of Amsterdam for 4 years (initial 18-month contract, extendable to 4 years after satisfactory evaluation). Gross monthly salary ranges from €3,204 in year 1 to €4,051 in the final year, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. Additional benefits include pension, vacation hours, courses, and housing support.
Deadline
Oct 30, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Amsterdam

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About this position
PhD Position in Modifying Synapses to Mitigate Alzheimer’s Disease at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences.
This PhD project focuses on neuroscience, especially learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, glutamatergic synapses, engram cells, and the mechanisms underlying resilience to Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will investigate whether modifying synaptic receptor composition using molecular tools and behavioral interventions can reduce age-related cognitive decline and improve resilience to AD pathology. The work includes rodent behavioral paradigms, viral technologies, electrophysiology, proteomics, dendrite and spine reconstructions, chemogenetics, and memory engram-specific interventions.
The position is embedded in the Memory and Plasticity team of Dr. Harm Krugers and is a collaborative project with Prof. dr. Helmut Kessels and Prof. dr. Paul J. Lucassen. The PhD candidate will work across complementary groups at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, with access to expertise in electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and behavioral neuroscience.
Eligibility highlights: MSc degree in Neuroscience or a related field; experience with learning and memory research; affinity with animal experiments; experience with behavioral and/or neurobiological techniques; good statistical, analytical, writing, and presenting skills; fluent English; willingness to learn Dutch.
Funding and conditions: This is a paid PhD employment for 4 years (initial 18 months, then extension after satisfactory evaluation). Salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension, vacation hours, training opportunities, Dutch language courses, and housing support for relocation.
Application window: Applications close on 30 October 2026. Apply online through the vacancy page and include a detailed CV, motivation letter, and contact details for two referees.
Funding details
Paid PhD employment at the University of Amsterdam for 4 years (initial 18-month contract, extendable to 4 years after satisfactory evaluation). Gross monthly salary ranges from €3,204 in year 1 to €4,051 in the final year, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. Additional benefits include pension, vacation hours, courses, and housing support.
What's required
MSc degree in Neuroscience or a related field; experience with learning and memory research; affinity with and experience in animal experiments; affinity with and experience in common behavioural and/or neurobiological techniques; good statistical skills; experience with molecular tools and data analysis; good analytical, writing, and presenting skills; fluent in English (written and spoken); willingness to learn Dutch if not a native speaker.
How to apply
Apply online via the vacancy page using the application button before 30 October 2026. Submit a detailed CV with months, a motivation letter, and the names and email addresses of two referees in one single PDF file besides your CV. Only complete applications received through the link will be considered.
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