Postdoctoral Researcher – ALS Protein Biology & Pathway Discovery

AcademicTransfer; Nederland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in Neurobiology to study ALS-related proteins and pathways in human tissue and neuronal models. You will apply advanced imaging and molecular techniques to uncover disease mechanisms and biomarkers.

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and junior researchers, you will plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges and contribute to high-impact publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience in molecular/cell biology and immunostaining.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry and antibody optimization.
• Ability to design, troubleshoot and interpret experiments; collaborate on goals.
• Strong communication and scientific writing skills; ability to mentor juniors.

Responsibilities

• Investigate ALS tissue using protein-level characterization and neuronal models.
• Establish high-dimensional multiplexed protein imaging with MACSima platform.
• Work with iPSC-derived neurons and collaborators to study gene effects.
• Mentor PhD/MSc students and contribute to publications.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary ALS center to advance research objectives.

Skills

Experimental molecular biology

Immunostaining

Fluorescence microscopy

Protein analysis

Immunohistochemistry

Experiment design

Scientific communication

Mentorship

Human brain tissue experience

Multiplexed immunofluorescence

Spatial proteomics

High-dimensional imaging

Image analysis (Fiji/ImageJ/QuPath/CP)

Western blotting

qPCR

iPSC-derived neuronal models

Cytoskeletal biology/microtubules

Single-cell/spatial transcriptomics

Junior researcher mentorship

Education

PhD in neuroscience, molecular/cell biology, neuropathology, biomedical sciences or related field

Tools

Fiji/ImageJ

QuPath

CellProfiler

Job description

Organisation/Company University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Neurosciences » Neurochemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 19 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands 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

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. Our research team uses human genetics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to discover ALS-associated genes, cell states and molecular pathways. Establishing how these discoveries manifest at the protein level is essential to understanding their contribution to ALS pathology and uncovering mechanisms not resolved by genetic and transcriptomic data alone. The key objective of this position is to identify points of convergence in molecular functions and pathways that represent promising targets for further research.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will investigate these questions using two complementary approaches: protein-level characterization of human ALS tissue and molecular/cellular studies in neuronal models.

In postmortem ALS spinal cord and brain tissue, you will investigate the cellular and subcellular localization of disease-associated proteins and characterize pathological cell states and pathway alterations. An important aim will be to determine whether newly implicated ALS genes exhibit distinctive pathological signatures, providing insights into disease mechanisms and opportunities for biomarker discovery. You will work to establish high-dimensional multiplexed protein imaging using the MACSima platform, working closely with a research technician to develop antibody panels and optimize staining protocols. These approaches will enable quantitative investigation of protein-level changes across cell types and pathological states.

Complementing these tissue-based investigations, you will examine the molecular and cellular consequences of newly discovered ALS-associated genes in neuronal models. Our team has established CRISPR-engineered iPSC lines carrying ALS-associated variants, alongside matched isogenic controls. Working with iPSC-derived motor neurons generated and differentiated by collaborators within the ALS center, you will focus on downstream molecular and biochemical characterization, including immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and protein analysis. A key focus of these studies will be understanding microtubule organization and function in post-mitotic neurons, with opportunities to explore associated functional consequences.

Close collaboration and active mentorship of junior researchers are vital components of this position. Alongside your own experimental research, you will support the scientific and technical development of PhD and MSc students, helping to plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges and interpret findings. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help shape experimental strategies, develop new approaches and advance shared research objectives, with opportunities to take a leading scientific role in resulting publications.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• PhD in neuroscience, molecular or cell biology, neuropathology, biomedical sciences or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental molecular or cellular biology, especially immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy or protein analysis.
• Experience in immunohistochemistry and/or immunocytochemistry, including antibody optimization or validation.
• Ability to design, conduct, troubleshoot and interpret experiments, contributing to shared scientific objectives.
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting and writing scientific research.
• Genuine commitment to team science and active mentorship of PhD and MSc students, supporting their experiments, technical skills and scientific development.
• Experience with human brain/spinal cord tissue or neurodegenerative disease.
• Multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial proteomics or high-dimensional imaging.
• Quantitative microscopy and image analysis (e.g., Fiji/ImageJ, QuPath or CellProfiler).
• Western blotting, quantitative PCR or related molecular assays.
• iPSC-derived neuronal models or assays of neuronal function.
• Cytoskeletal biology, microtubule organization or intracellular transport.
• Familiarity with genetics, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics.
• Previous supervision or mentorship of junior researchers.

You are organized, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for experimental work while contributing to shared goals. You enjoy exchanging ideas, solving challenges together and helping colleagues grow.

For further information, contact Dr Kevin Kenna ( [e-mail] ).

Additional Information

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.724,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).