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Harm Krugers
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PhD Position in Modifying Synapses to Mitigate Alzheimer’s Disease University of Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Temporary PhD contract for 4 years with a gross monthly salary from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the last year, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
Deadline
Nov 13, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Amsterdam
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Keywords
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About this position
This PhD project focuses on how glutamatergic synapses and their receptor composition may be modified to reduce age-related cognitive decline and improve resilience to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. The work combines molecular approaches and behavioral interventions to investigate memory deficits linked to amyloid beta and to study how synaptic changes may influence learning, memory, and disease vulnerability.
The position is based in the Memory and Plasticity team of Dr. Harm Krugers at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam. It is a collaborative project with the Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience group of Prof. dr. Helmut Kessels and the Brain Plasticity group of Prof. dr. Paul J. Lucassen. The candidate will work across these complementary research environments, benefiting from expertise that spans behavioral neuroscience, electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and related neurobiological methods.
The project investigates synapses and engram cell ensembles in a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease. The student will use viral technologies to identify and measure synaptic properties and explore how these mechanisms contribute to memory. Techniques mentioned include electrophysiology, proteomics, dendrite and spine reconstructions, chemogenetics, and memory engram-specific interventions.
The research environment is embedded in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam and the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at Amsterdam Science Park, bringing together interdisciplinary neuroscience teams and a strong life-science research setting.
Funding details
Temporary PhD contract for 4 years with a gross monthly salary from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the last year, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
What's required
Applicants should have a MSc degree in Neuroscience or a related field, with experience or affinity for learning and memory research, animal experiments, and common behavioural and/or neurobiological techniques. Good analytical, writing, presenting, statistical, molecular tools, and data-analysis skills are expected, along with the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Candidates must be fluent in English (written and spoken) and willing to learn Dutch if not a native speaker.
How to apply
Apply online via the application link provided. Submit a detailed CV with months listed for education and work experience, a letter of motivation, and the names and email addresses of two references in one single PDF file besides your CV. Only complete applications submitted within the deadline will be considered.
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Professors
Prof. dr. at University of Amsterdam
Netherlands
Research Interests
Systems Neuroscience
Behavioral Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Stress Biology
Learning And Memory
Prof. dr. at University of Amsterdam
Netherlands
Research Interests
Behavioral Neuroscience
Neuropsychology
Biology
Molecular Biology
Alzheimer's Disease
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.