PhD in Molecular Pharmacology: GPCR Target for Rare Brain Disease

SIGRA; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a PhD position within the POLARIS doctoral network focused on GPCR pharmacology as a target for rare brain disease therapies. The project spans drug discovery, in vitro and in vivo neuroscience, with secondments across Europe and network-wide training.

This international, interdisciplinary program provides a three-year full-time contract, open to candidates meeting MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE eligibility, and promises strong collaboration and translational research

Qualifications

• Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry or related life sciences.
• Experience in molecular pharmacology and/or receptor biochemistry with cell-based assays.
• Interest in GPCR biology and cell-based assays using high-throughput readers and robotics.
• Accurate, reproducible research with strong analytical and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop GPCR assay pipelines with bioluminescent and fluorescent biosensors.
• Investigate receptor activation and signaling mechanisms.
• Develop and apply high-throughput screening assays to identify modulators.
• Use FDA-approved drug library repurposing and fragment-based drug discovery to identify modulators.
• Collaborate with POLARIS partners to evaluate lead molecules.

Skills

Molecular pharmacology

GPCR biology

Cell-based assays

High-throughput screening

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in life sciences

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

High-throughput screening

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a PhD position within the POLARIS doctoral network focused on GPCR pharmacology as a target for rare brain disease therapies. The project spans drug discovery, in vitro and in vivo neuroscience, with secondments across Europe and network-wide training.

This international, interdisciplinary program provides a three-year full-time contract, open to candidates meeting MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE eligibility, and promises strong collaboration and translational research