SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Drosophila models for neuropsychiatric disorders (Nijmegen, the Netherlands) (Nijmegen, the Netherlands)

project description: Drosophila models for ADHD and autism
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting both children and adults. Despite the societal importance of these disorders, progress in understanding their underlying biology has been slow, limiting progress in diagnostics and medicine. An increasing amount of candidate genes are reported, but their validation is outstripping the interpretative capacity of computational predictions. Characterizing the function of candidate genes in an intact nervous system is one of the few reasonable approaches to revolutionize the field. You will use established and novel behavioural and neuro-morphological assays in Drosophila to investigate the role of ADHD and ASD candidate genes (partly identified in the ‘MiND’ consortium, see below) in an intact nervous system. You will dissect the underlying mechanisms and validate novel drug approaches. This PhD position will provide excellent training in usi!
 ng Drosophila as a translational model for biomedical research and allow you to closely interact with the other ‘MiND’ groups across Europe that identify novel candidate disease genes and study other animal models. Intersectoral training (max. 6 months) in the third year will be spent at the company Aktogen Ltd, with research sites at Cambridge’s Genetics department , UK and Szeged, Hungary.

Further information
This PhD position is part of a recently funded European Trainings Network (ETN), a prestigious grant scheme supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program. The ETN ‘MiND’ (Mastering skills in the training Network for attention deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrum Disorders), a strategic collaboration of world-leading academic groups, research-intensive commercial enterprises and patient organizations, aims to substantially increase our knowledge about the etiology of ADHD and ASD through interdisciplinary research. More information about other participants, projects and our research objectives and approaches can be found at www.mind-project.eu/.

Department and host group
The Human Genetics Department Nijmegen is a world-leading place for research into genetic forms of cognitive disorders, where clinical research, disease gene identification and functional studies work hand in hand. Using disease genes as a starting point, the group of Annette Schenck dissects gene function, molecular networks and mechanisms that underlie brain development and cognition, and aims to translate this knowledge back to humans.

Requirements
•       A MSc in a domain of Molecular Life Sciences
•       Background in molecular, neuro- and cell biology
•       Experience with a model organism is a plus
•       High affinity for fundamental research related to human brain disorders
•       Highly motivated, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and with the strong wish to work interdisciplinary
•       According to the requirements of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Training Program, you may not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, study, etc.) for more than 12 months in the last 3 years in the Netherlands
Terms of employment
•       Salary is € 3,243 gross per month, according to EU guidelines. A mobility allowance and a family allowance are part of the employment package (the latter if applicable)
•       Employment will initially be for one year, and will be extended with an additional 2 years after a positive evaluation
•       The employment for this position should start latest in June 1, 2015
•       Intersectoral training (up to 6 months) in the third year will be spent at Aktogen Ltd, with research sites in Cambridge, UK and Szeged, Hungary
Selected Publications of the host group:
 (1) van der Voet M et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 2014, 46P2:326-342. (2) Gilissen C et al. Nature, 2014, 511(7509):344-7. (3) Oortveld MAV et al. PLoS Genetics, 2013, 9(10):e1003911. (4) Gupta VK et al. Nature Neuroscience, 2013, 16(10):1453-60. (5) van Bon BWM et al. Hum Mol Genet, 2013, 22(15):3138-51. (6) Kleefstra T et al. Am J Human Genetics, 2012, 91(1):73-82. (7) Koolen DA et al., Nature Genetics, 2012, 44(6):639-41. (8) Kramer et al. PLoS Biol, 2011, 9(1):e1000569.

For further information please visit:
Radboudumc Drosophila models of Brain Disorders & Neurogenetics
Donders Institute Drosophila models of Brain Disorders & Neurogenetics

Closing date
February 22nd, 2015

Application
Please upload your application documents (1. your letter of motivation, 2. your CV and 3. two letters of recommendation) via the ‘Apply’ button of the Radboud umc vacancy webpage:
https://www.radboudumc.nl/workingatRUNMC/Pages/jobs.aspx?vacid=23941&naam=%20PhD%20student%20%E2%80%98Drosophila%20models%20for%20neuropsychiatric%20disorders%E2%80%99&afdeling=Human%20Genetics&plaats=nijmegen
Incomplete applications (e.g. without letters of recommendation) will not be considered.
If you have questions about the vacancy, contact Dr. Annette Schenck, Annette.Schenck@radboudumc.nl


Annette Schenck, PhD, Associate Prof.
Annette.Schenck@radboudumc.nl
Department of Human Genetics Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour & Radboud University Medical Center
Nijmegen, the Netherlands