Age-related memory decline is one of the greatest challenges facing our developed societies. However, not all individuals are equally affected. This groundbreaking project will investigate why some individuals are more resilient to age-related cognitive decline than others, linking chronic stress, neuroplasticity, and mitochondrial health to long-term cognitive outcomes.

Focusing on the dentate gyrus, a key hippocampal region for memory and life-long neurogenesis, we’re investigating how stress during adolescence shapes cognitive ageing. Using mouse models, state-of-the-art molecular biology tools, single cell transcriptomics and innovative metabolic interventions, our goal is to discover how to protect the vulnerable brain from decline and promote resilience.

This research is part of a European ERA4Health initiative, with strong translational potential and global relevance.

Your specific role in this project will be to investigate how the effect of stress during adolescence on immature neurons in the dentate gyrus is mediated by glucocorticoid hormones, affecting their long-term metabolic health and function.

Your work will be a continuation of our work previously published in:

• https://www.nature.com/articles/mp2012123
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.12790
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-019-0440-2
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-02877-0

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Cross and genotype existing transgenic mouse strains, apply mouse models of adolescence stress
• Implement and demonstrate genetic manipulation of glucocorticoid receptors in specific cell populations in transgenic mouse strains
• Investigate the consequences that manipulating glucocorticoid receptors in specific cell populations has on hippocampus-specific memory tasks, activity dynamics and physiological functions of the hippocampus
• Investigate the consequences that manipulating glucocorticoid receptors in specific cell populations has on morphology and structural connectivity of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus and on genome-wide transcriptomic profiles, with specific focus on mitochondrial networks
• Investigate the translational potential of glucocorticoid receptor modulators to treat/prevent the long-term effects of stress during adolescence has on cognitive ageing
• Be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks. Discuss your work with the group members and other members of the Science community. Incorporate feedback and give input to others
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts, co-supervise tutoring Masters and PhD students

Ownership and Initiative: We are particularly interested in candidates who can take ownership of their research project and demonstrate initiative in driving their work forward. As postdoc, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of your research and contribute novel ideas to the field.

You will get the opportunity to:

• present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings
• expand your academic, professional and personal skills
• get access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies for innovative research
• contribute to science communication and outreach efforts
• thrive in a vibrant, impactful research community

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in molecular neuroscience with a special focus on mitochondrial function and pharmacological interventions. You enjoy performing experimental lab work and working with mouse models of disease (e.g., molecular biology, scRNA sequencing transcriptomics, genetic manipulation in transgenic mouse models, electrophysiology, behavioral tests, etc…). You have a creative mind and look forward to work at the cutting-edge of neuroscience. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of plant scientists.

Your experience and profile

You have/are

• A PhD in Molecular Neuroscience, Molecular Psychiatry, or a related field
• Demonstrated (published) hands-on experience with the following techniques: work with transgenic mouse models of stress, stereotactic injections to the brain, scRNA sequencing, transcriptomics and data analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, electrophysiology, behavioral memory testing, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
• Strong theoretical background in neurobiology of ageing, stress, and memory
• A team player with curiosity, creativity, and drive to make a difference