MSCA-DN PhD position in Molecular Pharmacology (Amsterdam, NL)

Amsterdam UMC; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam seeks a highly motivated researcher to explore GPCR pharmacology within the POLARIS doctoral network. The role focuses on developing cell-based assays, studying receptor signalling, and applying high-throughput screening to identify modulators for translational neuroscience research.

The position is embedded in the international POLARIS framework, offering rigorous training, secondments across EU institutions, and exposure to drug discovery at the interface of

Qualifications

• Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry or comparable life sciences.
• Relevant experience in molecular pharmacology and/or receptor biochemistry, including cell culture or cell-based signal-transduction assays using fluorescent or bioluminescent biosensors.
• Strong interest in GPCR biology and/or development of cell-based assays using high-throughput microplate readers and robotics.
• Experience with drug discovery is an advantage.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and fluorescence microscopy is an advantage.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop cell-based bioluminescent and fluorescent biosensor assays to detect GPCR signalling in different cellular models.
• Investigate receptor activation and signalling mechanisms.
• Develop and apply high-throughput screening assays to identify potential drug‑like modulators.
• Use FDA‑approved drug library repurposing and fragment‑based drug discovery to identify and characterize promising compounds.
• Contribute to the development of a functional GPCR assay pipeline and the evaluation of lead molecules in collaboration with POLARIS partners.

Skills

Molecular pharmacology

GPCR biology

Cell culture & biosensors

High-throughput screening

Molecular biology techniques

Fluorescence microscopy

Education

Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry or comparable life sciences

Job description

About your role

You will use molecular receptor pharmacology techniques to investigate the orphan GPCR and its potential as a therapeutic target. Your work will include:

• Developing cell-based bioluminescent and fluorescent biosensor assays to detect GPCR signalling events in different cellular models.


• Investigating receptor activation and signalling mechanisms.


• Developing and applying high-throughput screening assays to identify potential drug‑like modulators.


• Using FDA‑approved drug library repurposing and fragment‑based drug discovery to identify and characterise promising compounds.


• Contributing to the development of a functional GPCR assay pipeline and the evaluation of lead molecules in collaboration with POLARIS partners.

About you

We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry or a comparable life sciences discipline. You bring:

• Relevant experience in molecular pharmacology and/or receptor biochemistry, including cell culture or cell‑based signal‑transduction assays using fluorescent or bioluminescent biosensors.


• A strong interest in GPCR biology and/or the development of cell‑based assays using high‑throughput microplate readers and robotics.


• Experience with drug discovery is an advantage.


• Experience with molecular biology techniques and fluorescence microscopy is an advantage.


• An accurate and reproducible approach to research, with strong analytical, communication and organisational skills and the ability to collaborate across different research environments.

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

Eligibility criteria

Important, strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs apply to applicants:

You must not already hold a doctoral degree.At the time of the application deadline, you must have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
You will participate in the network‑wide training programme of POLARIS, which includes (international) training activities and planned secondments with POLARIS partner organizations throughout the EU.

Our offer

• A full‑time, 3‑year employment contract with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam;




• Salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host‑organisation rules. More detailed information about the salary will follow; ;




• Embedding in the international POLARIS doctoral training network;




• Access to network‑wide training activities, secondments and transferable‑skills development;




• A challenging and translational research project at the interface drug discovery, in vitro and in vivo neuroscience, rare disease biology;




• A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment;




• An open and supportive team culture with opportunities for scientific and professional development.