Postdoctoral Position: Synaptic Mechanisms of Memory and Sleep in Alzheimer's Disease

Postdoctoral Position: Synaptic Mechanisms of Memory and Sleep in Alzheimer's Disease

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

The project investigates the synaptic plasticity mechanisms that underlie memory consolidation during sleep, specifically examining how these processes are disrupted in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). 

You will investigate how these molecular processes are affected in the diseased brain by combining cutting-edge techniques such as in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology recordings, live-imaging of calcium indicators and neurotransmitter sensors (fiber photometry), opto- and chemogenetics, engram visualization and manipulation strategies and mouse behavior. We are also open to your vision for this project.

This project is directly relevant to increase our understanding of how the degradation of sleep quality accelerates memory loss, potentially identifying new therapeutic windows for early intervention in AD.

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

The project investigates the synaptic plasticity mechanisms that underlie memory consolidation during sleep, specifically examining how these processes are disrupted in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). 

You will investigate how these molecular processes are affected in the diseased brain by combining cutting-edge techniques such as in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology recordings, live-imaging of calcium indicators and neurotransmitter sensors (fiber photometry), opto- and chemogenetics, engram visualization and manipulation strategies and mouse behavior. We are also open to your vision for this project.

This project is directly relevant to increase our understanding of how the degradation of sleep quality accelerates memory loss, potentially identifying new therapeutic windows for early intervention in AD.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to:

  • gain knowledge of the field through literature survey, discussion with team members, and internal lab meetings;
  • contribute to the design of experiments and perform experiments;
  • analyze and interpret results of experiments;
  • write papers for publication;
  • supervise bachelor, master and PhD student projects;
  • present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.

We are looking for highly motivated, ambitious candidate with a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field. Analytical and theoretical skills as well as experimental talent are essential. A background in or cellular and circuit neuroscience is an advantage, as well as experience with mouse experimentation and affinity with (a subset of) the techniques listed in the project description. 

Furthermore, you

  • are an enthusiastic person with appreciable communication skills, who communicates very constructively in a team-based environment, and with excellent English writing skills.
  • Are passionate about science and interested in synaptic plasticity processes that drive memory processing.
  • like a challenge and are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • are a team player and a nice colleague with good communication and problem-solving skills.
  • have a high intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research (reflected by your CV). 

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to:

  • gain knowledge of the field through literature survey, discussion with team members, and internal lab meetings;
  • contribute to the design of experiments and perform experiments;
  • analyze and interpret results of experiments;
  • write papers for publication;
  • supervise bachelor, master and PhD student projects;
  • present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.

We are looking for highly motivated, ambitious candidate with a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field. Analytical and theoretical skills as well as experimental talent are essential. A background in or cellular and circuit neuroscience is an advantage, as well as experience with mouse experimentation and affinity with (a subset of) the techniques listed in the project description. 

Furthermore, you

  • are an enthusiastic person with appreciable communication skills, who communicates very constructively in a team-based environment, and with excellent English writing skills.
  • Are passionate about science and interested in synaptic plasticity processes that drive memory processing.
  • like a challenge and are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • are a team player and a nice colleague with good communication and problem-solving skills.
  • have a high intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research (reflected by your CV). 

Your place at the UvA

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months with a probationary period of two months. If proven suitable, an extension of 12 months is possible.The preferred starting date is to be discussed

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3.546 – € 5.538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile postdoctoral researcher is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

More about the UvA

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

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months with a probationary period of two months. If proven suitable, an extension of 12 months is possible.The preferred starting date is to be discussed

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3.546 – € 5.538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile postdoctoral researcher is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

More about the UvA

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 job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 10 May 2026.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

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;
  • a list of publications;
  • 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)

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

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.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 10 May 2026.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

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;
  • a list of publications;
  • 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)

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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