Project Overview
About the Position
Amsterdam UMC advertises a doctoral (promovendus) position on international research into MLC, a rare hereditary disease of the brain white matter (megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts). The candidate joins the Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Centre's international research programme, which coordinates natural-history studies, biomarker development and therapy research with partner centres worldwide. The employment is a salaried four-year PhD position under the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement, with a starting salary of EUR 3,217 per month.
The project combines clinical research on an international patient cohort with laboratory and imaging work aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and preparing treatment trials. The doctoral candidate works in a specialised team spanning neurology, genetics and imaging, and benefits from Amsterdam UMC's rare-disease infrastructure, patient registries and European collaborator network. Because parts of the research run in Dutch clinical settings, Dutch language skills are expected for patient-facing components.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in biomedical sciences, medicine, neuroscience or a related field, with interest in rare disease research and clinical translation. Experience with patient data, imaging analysis or cell models is an advantage. Applications are submitted through the Amsterdam UMC vacancy page, and the closing date for applications is 4 November 2026.
Highlights
- PhD on MLC leukodystrophy within an international programme
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Centre specialised environment
- Natural-history, biomarker and therapy-preparation research
- Salaried four-year position (EUR 3,217 - 4,077 per month)
- European rare-disease collaborator network
- Closing date: 4 November 2026
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,217 - EUR 4,077 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 biomedical sciences, medicine or a related field; Dutch expected for clinical work |
| Language | English proficiency required; Dutch needed for clinical, fieldwork or client-facing components |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 4 November 2026 |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
About Amsterdam UMC
Amsterdam UMC is the combined academic medical centre of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, operating from AMC and VUmc campuses. It is one of the largest biomedical research institutions in the Netherlands, with research programmes spanning infectious diseases, oncology, cardiovascular science, epidemiology, public health and health data science. The centre employs PhD candidates and postdocs on salaried contracts under the CAO-UMC collective agreement. Research vacancies are published on the werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org portal, and many doctoral projects are embedded in national and European research consortia.
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: 4 November 2026 - 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: 4 November 2026. 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
- PhD Employment in the Netherlands: Salary, Contract and Funding Routes
- Scholarship Application Rejected? 12 Problems to Check Before Reapplying
English language requirements
No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.
Official Link
https://werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org/nl/vacatures/research/promovendus-internationaal-onderzoek-naar-de-hersenziekte-mlc
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 Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 5 November 2026 (4 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, 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 3,217 - EUR 4,077 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, 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 Amsterdam UMC.
How do I apply for Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands?
Applications for Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands are submitted directly to Amsterdam UMC 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 Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands?
The source does not state whether an English proficiency test is required for this listing — confirm the requirement (if any) with the provider before applying.
What study level does Promovendus Internationaal Onderzoek naar de Hersenziekte MLC (Leukodystrophy) - Amsterdam UMC, 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
Amsterdam UMC
Amsterdam UMC is the combined academic medical centre of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, operating from AMC and VUmc campuses. It is one of the largest biomedical research institutions in the Netherlands, with research programmes spanning infectious diseases, oncology, cardiovascular science, epidemiology, public health and health data science. The centre employs PhD candidates and postdocs on salaried contracts under the CAO-UMC collective agreement. Research vacancies are published on the werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org portal, and many doctoral projects are embedded in national and European research consortia.
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