The central aim for this project is to understand the molecular and cellular control of the barrier function of endothelial cells. In forming a monolayer, these cells partially overlap and form a tight barrier resisting sheer force and blood pressure. At the molecular scale, vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin and other proteins form a junctional protein complex (adherence junction), which tightly holds plasma membranes together of adjacent endothelial cells in a proximity of 20 nm. Intracellularly, these cell junctions are connected to the actin cytoskeleton via (α,β and p120) catenin. A variety of signalling cascades are connected to the regulation of the barrier integrity and cytoskeletal remodelling (including VEGFR and small GTPases). 

This project focuses on the dynamics of the adherence junction and the connected cytoskeleton in relation to (local) pertubation by optogenetics, drugs and leukocyte transendothelial migration using super resolution microscopy. We will use a novel tau-STED microscope, which can achieve 50-70 nm optical resolution in live cells. By exploiting time-resolved information (ns timescale) resolution enhancement can be achieved at low STED laser light levels. We will use cultured endothelial (HUVEC) cells in well-controlled in vitro models compatible with tau-STED.

During your PhD research you will apply a variety of techniques, including (but not limited to) molecular biology (cloning), eukaryotic cell culture (culturing and isolating primary immune and endothelial cells, viral transduction methods), fluorescence imaging, optogenetics, superresolution microscopy/STED, and image analysis.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• use different molecular and cell biology based experimental approaches to visualize endothelial cells, cell junctions and the cytoskeleton with high resolution;
• generate and validate tools for superresolution imaging;

• perform your experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner and keep accurate records by properly documenting and organizing your work;
• discuss your work in our lab meetings, incorporate feedback and give input to others;
• assist in teaching and supervise BSc/MSc students during their research internship;
• participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme.

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in fundamental cell biology with affinity for microscopy. You like a challenge and are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment. You are a team player with good communication and problem-solving skills

Your experience and profile

You have/are:

• a recent MSc degree in the life/biomedical sciences (or a related area in molecular, cell, chemical biology);
• experience with fluorescence microscopy;
• have demonstrated hands-on experience with one or more of the following techniques: DNA manipulation methods for generating constructs/plasmids, mammalian cell culture, live-cell imaging, optogenetics, image analysis;
• affinity with imaging techniques, data analysis, data visualization;
• a high intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken.

It will work to your advantage if, in addition, you have experience with one or more of the following: viral transductions, proficiency with image analysis (e.g. FIJI, CellPose), and/or programming (e.g. R, Python, Matlab). 

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is 1 November 2025 or sooner. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2.901 in the first year to €3.707 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable. 

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.