PhD: GVB-Associated Resilience as a drug target for tauopathies

Amsterdam UMC; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 3.000 - 4.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the Netherlands seeks a PhD candidate to contribute to the GVB project, focused on enhancing neuronal resilience to combat neurodegeneration. This role involves identifying drug candidates and conducting advanced molecular biology analyses. Ideal candidates should have a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, a passion for lab science, and a strong background in molecular pathways. This position offers a full-time contract with competitive salary and the opportunity for growth in scientific research.

Benefits

Year-end bonus of 8.3%

190.4 holiday hours per year

Reimbursement for travel costs

Good bike scheme

Pension accrual

Qualifications

• Strong passion for molecular and cell biology of dementia.
• Experience in molecular and cell biology analyses is required.

Responsibilities

• Identify drug candidates suitable for enhancing neuronal resilience.
• Discover novel druggable targets within the resilience pathway.
• Conduct proof-of-concept experiments to mitigate tau-induced neurodegeneration.

Skills

Creativity

Affinity for wet lab science

Molecular pathways knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company Amsterdam UMC Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Neurosciences » Neurochemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Netherlands Application Deadline 8 Jan 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Intraneuronal tau pathology is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and roughly one-third of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. The distribution and burden of tau pathology strongly correlate with neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms, as shown by extensive postmortem and in vivo studies. Interestingly, a subset of neurons with early tau pathology contains Granulovacuolar degeneration bodies (GVBs), which have been linked to resilience against the damaging effects of tau. Building on our discovery of this novel intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism, the GVBoost project aims to identify druggable targets and therapeutic compounds that can enhance this protective pathway. We hypothesize that boosting these intrinsic defenses offers a novel therapeutic approach. Intervening early in the disease progression may delay or even halt disease development.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

As part of this project, you will use innovative neuronal cell models and advanced molecular and cell biology techniques to achieve the following objectives:

• Identifying drug candidates suitable for repurposing that enhance neuronal resilience.
• Discovering novel druggable targets within the resilience pathway.
• Conducting proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate that enhancing GVB-associated resilience can mitigate tau-induced neurodegeneration.

We are seeking a PhD candidate for this exciting project, funded by Hersenstichting, who has a strong passion for pursuing a career in the molecular and cell biology of dementia. Ideal candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in biomedical sciences or a related field, with a specialization in neuroscience.
• Proven creativity and a strong affinity for wet lab science.
• A solid background in molecular pathways and techniques, as well as experience in molecular and cell biology analyses.

Additional Information

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Additional comments

Along with your CV, please submit a motivation letter that addresses the following questions:

• Provide an example that highlights your scientific creativity.
• Share an example that demonstrates your affinity with molecular pathways.

These questions will help us gain a better understanding of your suitability for the position and your passion for scientific research.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Prof. dr. Wiep Scheper, Teamleader Molecular Neurodegeneration, at [e-mail].

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, recruitment advisor, at [e-mail].

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.