Corette Wierenga

This PhD position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying inhibitory synaptic defects in early Alzheimer's disease. The project is based in the Wierenga lab at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience, part of the Faculty of Science, and focuses on the vulnerability of inhibitory circuits to Aβ oligomers, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease progression. The research aims to bridge the gap in understanding how rising levels of Aβ lead to synaptic dysfunction and network hyperexcitability, which are critical factors in cognitive decline. As a PhD candidate, you will employ advanced techniques including single-cell electrophysiology, two-photon microscopy, and novel biosensors such as iGABASnFR2 to monitor GABA release and characterize synaptic defects in cultured brain slices from transgenic mice. The project also involves assessing molecular and electrophysiological changes to elucidate the involvement of specific signalling pathways. The research environment is highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and international, with English as the working language. The Donders Institute is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and stimulating research culture, housing over 800 researchers dedicated to understanding the brain at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The Faculty of Science at Radboud University is committed to groundbreaking research and excellent education, fostering personal and professional development in an inclusive and diverse community. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or a related field, with a strong interest in intracellular signalling and optical recording methods. Experience in advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, and programming (Matlab or similar) is preferred, but candidates willing to learn are encouraged to apply. Fluency in English and strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The position offers a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension to a total of 4 years based on performance. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Additional benefits include extra days off, flexible working hours, sports and cultural discounts, a pension plan, and access to training and development schemes. Applications must be submitted online via the provided link, with a letter addressed to Prof. Corette Wierenga. The application form will specify required documents. The deadline for applications is 14 June 2026, and interviews are scheduled for the week of 22 June. The successful candidate will preferably start as soon as possible. This position is ideal for motivated and enthusiastic young scientists eager to contribute to cutting-edge neuroscience research in a supportive and dynamic environment.

A 2-year postdoctoral position is available in the field of neurophysiology at Radboud University, Netherlands, under the supervision of Professor Corette Wierenga. The successful candidate will join a collaborative project involving the labs of Richard van Wezel, Marijn Kuijpers (both at Radboud University), and Imran Avci (VU Amsterdam). The research focuses on performing single cell patch clamp recordings and developing all-optical recording techniques in cultured human neurons. The project will utilize a combination of voltage-sensitive dyes, optogenetics, and optical chips to advance the study of neuronal activity. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong background in neuroscience, physiology, or biology, and with hands-on experience in patch clamp electrophysiology. Familiarity with advanced optical methods such as voltage-sensitive dyes and optogenetics is highly desirable. The position offers the chance to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment, contributing to cutting-edge research in human neuronal function. The position is based at Radboud University in Nijmegen, with collaborative links to VU Amsterdam. The announcement does not specify salary or funding details, but the post is a full-time, 2-year contract. Applicants are encouraged to review the LinkedIn post for further details and to contact the supervisors for application procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral researchers interested in neurophysiology, optical recording technologies, and collaborative research in human neuroscience.

This PhD position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic defects in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The project is based in the Wierenga lab at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience, part of the Faculty of Science, and focuses on the vulnerability of inhibitory synapses to amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers. The research aims to elucidate how rising levels of Aβ in the brain contribute to synaptic dysfunction and network hyperexcitability, which are key factors in the progression of AD before cognitive symptoms appear. As a PhD candidate, you will employ a combination of single-cell electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, and novel biosensors to characterize synaptic defects at inhibitory synapses in cultured brain slices exposed to Aβ oligomers. The project utilizes innovative iGABASnFR2 sensors in slices from transgenic mice to monitor Aβ-mediated changes in GABA release at specific inhibitory synapse subtypes. Parallel molecular and electrophysiological analyses will help assess the involvement of specific signaling pathways. The teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time. The Wierenga lab is part of the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, which houses over 800 researchers and offers state-of-the-art facilities for neuroscience research. The institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and supportive environment with English as the working language. The Faculty of Science is highly international, with staff from over 70 countries, and provides excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. Applicants should have a Master's degree in life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or a related discipline, with interest in intracellular signaling and optical recording methods. Experience in advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, and programming (Matlab or similar) is preferred, but willingness to learn is also valued. Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative, and team-oriented, able to work independently and within a group, fluent in English, and possess strong communication skills, integrity, and positivity. The position offers a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off (30 or 41 annual leave days), flexible working hours, pension plan, and discounts on sports and cultural activities. Radboud University is committed to excellent employment practices and work-life balance. To apply, submit your application via the provided link, addressing your letter to Prof. Corette Wierenga. The application form will specify required documents. Interviews are scheduled for the week of 22 June 2026, and the preferred start date is as soon as possible. The application deadline is 14 June 2026.

This PhD position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic defects in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The project focuses on the vulnerability of inhibitory synapses to amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, a key factor in the progression of AD. The research will be conducted in the Wierenga lab, part of the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN) at the Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands. DCN is integrated within the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, which provides a stimulating, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. As a PhD candidate, you will use single-cell electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, and novel biosensors (iGABASnFR2 sensors) to characterize synaptic defects at inhibitory synapses in cultured brain slices exposed to Aβ oligomers. The project involves monitoring Aβ-mediated alterations in GABA release at specific inhibitory synapse subtypes in transgenic mouse models, alongside molecular and electrophysiological assessments to elucidate the involvement of specific signaling pathways. The research aims to bridge the gap in understanding how inhibitory circuits contribute to network hyperexcitability and cognitive decline in AD. The Wierenga lab is a diverse team of international scientists studying inhibitory synapses at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The lab employs two-photon microscopy, electrophysiology, and molecular techniques to explore synaptic plasticity and interactions between excitatory and inhibitory synapses during brain development and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The Donders Institute fosters a lively, interactive culture with over 800 researchers, recognized internationally for excellence and providing a supportive environment for young talent. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in intracellular signaling and optical recording methods. Experience in advanced microscopy, electrophysiology in living brain tissue, and programming (Matlab or similar) is preferred, though willingness to learn is also valued. Candidates must be fluent in English, possess good communication skills, and demonstrate integrity, positivity, and teamwork. The teaching load may be up to 10% of working time. The position offers a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits including an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off, flexible working hours, sports and cultural discounts, pension plan, and access to training and development schemes. The Faculty of Science at Radboud University is committed to groundbreaking research, excellent education, and preparing students for diverse careers in a welcoming, international environment. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Prof. Corette Wierenga. Ensure you include all required documents as specified in the application form. The application deadline is 14 June 2026, and interviews will be held in the week of 22 June. The position is open to highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative scientists eager to contribute to advancing knowledge in neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research.