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

The Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience group of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Science at the University of Amsterdam has a position available for a post-doctoral researcher in Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience.

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 Alzheimers 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.

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.

What we ask of you

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).

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 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile postdoctoral researcher is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. TheCollective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

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

You will work in this team

TheFaculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in education research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdams Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical biotech chemical flavor food & agricultural and high-tech industries and revolves around 4 main themes Cell & Systems biology Neurosciences Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Want to know more about our organisation Read more aboutworking at the University of Amsterdam.

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 including10 May 2026.

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

• Dr. Sylvie Lesuis

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)