Project Overview
About the Position
VU Amsterdam advertises a PhD student position in cellular neuroscience, studying mRNA localization and local protein synthesis in synapse formation, funded by NWO. Neurons localise specific messenger RNAs to synaptic compartments and translate them on site - a process central to how synapses form, mature and adapt. The project investigates the molecular logic of this local transcriptome and its role in circuit development, using neuronal cultures, imaging and molecular-biology methods.
The doctoral candidate joins VU Amsterdam's cellular neuroscience research environment, which combines cell-biological experimentation with advanced microscopy and quantitative analysis, and collaborates within the Amsterdam neuroscience network. The employment is a salaried four-year PhD position under the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement with a starting salary of EUR 3,204 per month, and the candidate participates in the faculty's PhD training programme and international conference circuit.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences or a related field, with hands-on experience in cell culture or molecular methods and an interest in RNA biology and synaptic mechanisms. Applications are submitted through the workingat.vu.nl portal with CV, transcripts and references; the closing date should be confirmed on the official vacancy page.
Highlights
- NWO-funded PhD on mRNA localization in synapses
- Local protein synthesis and circuit development
- Cell culture, imaging and molecular methods
- Salaried four-year position (EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month)
- Amsterdam neuroscience network participation
- Closing date - confirm on the official VU page
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale) |
| Duration | Four years (PhD employment) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in neuroscience, biology or a related field; cell-culture experience welcome |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | Closing date - confirm on the official VU vacancy page |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university in the Netherlands with strengths in physics, molecular sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Its Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts the NWO-XL consortium on human-made molecular machines.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: Open - Apply as soon as possible - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: Closing date - confirm on the official VU vacancy page. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
Official Link
https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies/phd-student-in-cellular-neuroscience-amsterdam-1349693
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Open - Apply as soon as possible). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
Is PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
How do I apply for PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands are submitted directly to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Student in Cellular Neuroscience: mRNA Localization in Synapse Formation (NWO) - VU Amsterdam, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university in the Netherlands with strengths in physics, molecular sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Its Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts the NWO-XL consortium on human-made molecular machines.
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