PhD Position in Ecology

Radboud University

Employment

  • Employment: 1.0 FTE
  • Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881
  • Required background: Research University Degree
  • Organizational unit: Faculty of Science
  • Application deadline: 14 June 2026

Overview

Are you an enthusiastic young scientist with a Master’s degree in a neuroscience-related field? And would you like to figure out how synaptic defects occur in early Alzheimer’s disease? If so, then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate in our research team. Put your ideas to the test at our green campus and push your boundaries in an internationally friendly environment.

One of the main reasons that there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is that cellular mechanisms of the disease onset and progression are not well understood. AD is a slowly progressing disease. Long before cognitive and behavioural symptoms occur, the level of Aβ oligomers in the brain are slowly rising, causing synaptic defects and network hyperexcitability. Hyperexcitable networks have been widely observed in AD patients and can be reproduced in a wide range of AD mouse models with progressing Aβ levels. Preventing or delaying hyperexcitability can delay or prevent cognitive impairments, indicating that hyperexcitability in early AD stages is a crucial factor in the progression of the disease.

An increasing number of studies (including from our lab: Ruiter et al, J Alz Dis 2020) are demonstrating that inhibitory circuits are specifically vulnerable to Aβ in the brain, which could underlie the enhanced excitability in neuronal networks observed at early AD stages. However, the molecular mechanism of the vulnerability of inhibitory synapses is not well understood.

Research Project

Research in the Wierenga lab focuses on the formation and plasticity of inhibitory synapses. In this project, you will use a combination of:

  • Single-cell electrophysiology
  • Advanced microscopy techniques
  • Novel biosensors

to characterise synaptic defects at inhibitory synapses in cultured brain slices that have been exposed to amyloid β oligomers.

You will use the novel iGABASnFR2 sensors in slices from transgenic mice to monitor Aβ-mediated alterations in GABA release at specific subtypes of inhibitory synapses. In parallel, you will monitor molecular and electrophysiological changes to assess the involvement of specific signalling pathways.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Candidate Profile

Does this sound like you?

  • You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented young scientist with a particular interest in neuroscience.
  • You have a Master's degree in life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline, and an interest in intracellular signalling and optical recording methods.
  • Ideally, you have some experience in advanced microscopy and/or electrophysiology in living brain tissue and in programming (in Matlab or a similar environment), or are willing to learn.
  • You take initiative and are eager to learn.
  • You can work independently, but you also enjoy interacting within a group.
  • You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills.
  • You demonstrate integrity and positivity and motivate others to do the same.

What we offer

  • Temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, followed by evaluation
  • If positive evaluation: extension by 2.5 years (total 4-year PhD contract)
  • Starting salary: €3,059 gross/month (38-hour week), increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year (scale P)
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • Extra leave options: 30 or 41 days annual leave instead of 20
  • Flexible working hours and work-life balance options
  • Ability to exchange income for extra leave days and sports reimbursements
  • 34% discount on sports and cultural activities
  • Good pension scheme
  • Training and talent development opportunities

Research Environment

You will join the Wierenga lab at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN), Faculty of Science, Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands).

The lab focuses on inhibitory synapses using:

  • Two-photon microscopy
  • Electrophysiology
  • Molecular techniques

Research covers synaptic plasticity in development, disease, and the interaction between excitatory and inhibitory synapses.

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class neuroscience institute with a highly international and collaborative environment.

Faculty & University Context

Faculty of Science

  • Over 1,300 staff members
  • Strong international environment (70+ countries)
  • Focus on fundamental science and societal challenges
  • Emphasis on interdisciplinary research and education

Radboud University

Radboud University aims to contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all through research, education, and collaboration. The university promotes inclusion, diversity, and international collaboration.

Application Process

  • Apply via the university application system
  • Address application letter to Corette Wierenga
  • Include required documents as specified in the application form
  • First interviews expected in the week of 22 June
  • Preferred start: as soon as possible

Contact

Prof. C.J. Wierenga (Corette)
Email: corette.wierenga@donders.ru.nl

Apply