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PhD Position on the Effects of Early Life THC Exposure

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14033
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

PhD Position on the Effects of Early Life THC Exposure

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14033
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join us!

Although cannabis is generally considered a ‘safe’ drug, there are concerns about its increased potency, with a mean THC concentration that has doubled in the last 20 years. This is especially worrisome when a young brain is exposed to cannabis, since the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in brain development and neuronal finetuning. Recent surveys indicate that pregnant women surprisingly often use cannabis, given its beneficial effects on pain and nausea reduction. THC is, however, rapidly taken up and transferred across the placenta. So far, we are far from understanding the long-term effects this early exposure can have on brain and behavior. 
In this project, we aim to better understand how in-utero exposure to THC changes the development of the brain, with a focus on the dopaminergic system, and how later reward and stress coping behavior are influenced. You will be setting up an inhalation (vapour) method of THC exposure in a mouse model, which has translational value and face validity. As experimental readouts, we focus on behavioral parameters like reward-related decision making and stress reactivity and will be looking at developmental brain changes at a cellular and molecular level, from fetal, to adolescent, to adults. 

The project is embedded in the framework of the Centre for Urban Mental Health (UMH), an interdisciplinary research center at the UvA, where complexity and dynamics of mental health problems in an urban environment is approached from an integrative angle. In this project we focus on the importance of early life exposure to an external compound that interferes with brain development and later life coping. You will be placed at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Amsterdam and work in two different thematic groups, the Brain Plasticity and Molecular Neuroscience groups, where you’ll be supervised by Dr. Rixt van der Veen and Dr. Simone Mesman.

Working at the UvA

Join us!

Although cannabis is generally considered a ‘safe’ drug, there are concerns about its increased potency, with a mean THC concentration that has doubled in the last 20 years. This is especially worrisome when a young brain is exposed to cannabis, since the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in brain development and neuronal finetuning. Recent surveys indicate that pregnant women surprisingly often use cannabis, given its beneficial effects on pain and nausea reduction. THC is, however, rapidly taken up and transferred across the placenta. So far, we are far from understanding the long-term effects this early exposure can have on brain and behavior. 
In this project, we aim to better understand how in-utero exposure to THC changes the development of the brain, with a focus on the dopaminergic system, and how later reward and stress coping behavior are influenced. You will be setting up an inhalation (vapour) method of THC exposure in a mouse model, which has translational value and face validity. As experimental readouts, we focus on behavioral parameters like reward-related decision making and stress reactivity and will be looking at developmental brain changes at a cellular and molecular level, from fetal, to adolescent, to adults. 

The project is embedded in the framework of the Centre for Urban Mental Health (UMH), an interdisciplinary research center at the UvA, where complexity and dynamics of mental health problems in an urban environment is approached from an integrative angle. In this project we focus on the importance of early life exposure to an external compound that interferes with brain development and later life coping. You will be placed at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Amsterdam and work in two different thematic groups, the Brain Plasticity and Molecular Neuroscience groups, where you’ll be supervised by Dr. Rixt van der Veen and Dr. Simone Mesman.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do? 

As a PhD student you will develop into an independent researcher, your tasks and activities will include:

  • participating in the design of the research project;

  • performing cellular-molecular and neurobiological laboratory analyses, as well as animal behavioral tasks;
  • analysis, interpretation and presentation of the obtained data;
  • reporting of your results at local and (inter-)national meetings and publish in international, peer-reviewed journals;
  • attending meetings within the SILS groups and UMH gatherings; 
  • participating in our PhD training program; 
  • completion and defense in public of a doctoral dissertation within four years. 
  • assist in teaching activities, supervising Bachelor and Master theses, and tutoring students.

What do we require? 

You are/have

  • an enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated scientist with a (research) master’s degree with relevant experience in Life Sciences, e.g. Biomedical Sciences or a related area;

  • experience with practical lab work and have worked with animals before, you are preferably in possession of the Article 9 certificate;
  • excellent analytical and communicative skills and a clear and concise writing style;
  • well-organized, independent, pro-active and perseverant in the face of a setback;
  • last, but not least: you are a team player, a pleasant colleague in the team and able to work within an interdisciplinary environment.

Our offer 

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). 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. 
Your salary will range between €2,901 in the first year to €3,707 gross per month in the last year of employment, based on a fulltime employment (38 hours per week). This sum does not include the 8% holiday pay and the 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do? 

As a PhD student you will develop into an independent researcher, your tasks and activities will include:

  • participating in the design of the research project;

  • performing cellular-molecular and neurobiological laboratory analyses, as well as animal behavioral tasks;
  • analysis, interpretation and presentation of the obtained data;
  • reporting of your results at local and (inter-)national meetings and publish in international, peer-reviewed journals;
  • attending meetings within the SILS groups and UMH gatherings; 
  • participating in our PhD training program; 
  • completion and defense in public of a doctoral dissertation within four years. 
  • assist in teaching activities, supervising Bachelor and Master theses, and tutoring students.

What do we require? 

You are/have

  • an enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated scientist with a (research) master’s degree with relevant experience in Life Sciences, e.g. Biomedical Sciences or a related area;

  • experience with practical lab work and have worked with animals before, you are preferably in possession of the Article 9 certificate;
  • excellent analytical and communicative skills and a clear and concise writing style;
  • well-organized, independent, pro-active and perseverant in the face of a setback;
  • last, but not least: you are a team player, a pleasant colleague in the team and able to work within an interdisciplinary environment.

Our offer 

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). 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. 
Your salary will range between €2,901 in the first year to €3,707 gross per month in the last year of employment, based on a fulltime employment (38 hours per week). This sum does not include the 8% holiday pay and the 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Your place at the UvA

Where you will work

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is an institute of the Faculty of Science. This institute contains 20 research groups (with approximately 240 employees) that work on one of the four themes: Microbiology, Cell & Systems Biology, Green Life Sciences and Neuroscience. 

Within the Brain Plasticity group we study structural and functional plasticity of the brain in relation to stress and disease. Within the Molecular Neuroscience group  we focus on brain development in health and disease, studying fundamental molecular processes during development of the brain. More info on the Center for Urban Mental Health can be found here: https://www.centreforurbanmentalhealth.com

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

Where you will work

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is an institute of the Faculty of Science. This institute contains 20 research groups (with approximately 240 employees) that work on one of the four themes: Microbiology, Cell & Systems Biology, Green Life Sciences and Neuroscience. 

Within the Brain Plasticity group we study structural and functional plasticity of the brain in relation to stress and disease. Within the Molecular Neuroscience group  we focus on brain development in health and disease, studying fundamental molecular processes during development of the brain. More info on the Center for Urban Mental Health can be found here: https://www.centreforurbanmentalhealth.com

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 25 May 2025. Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). We will invite potential candidates for interviews in June 2025. 

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: Dr. Rixt van der Veen ([email protected]) 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 25 May 2025. Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). We will invite potential candidates for interviews in June 2025. 

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: Dr. Rixt van der Veen ([email protected]) 

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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