PhD in Neuroscience studying cerebellar control of movement

Job description

Are you curious about how the brain controls movement? Do you want to explore the role of different cerebellar neurons in this process? The Schonewille lab at Erasmus MC is looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join our team.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Study how different subpopulations of neurons in the cerebellum contribute to movement control.
• Use in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetic stimulation, and behavioral analysis as your main methods.
• Combine these methods, when needed, with immunohistochemistry, anatomical tracing, ex vivo electrophysiology, genetics, and computational modeling.
• Investigate how Purkinje cell subpopulations, each with distinct gene expression profiles, work individually and together to control movements.
• Be part of a larger research team funded by a NWO Vici grant, working closely with researchers and technicians.

Work environment

The Department of Neuroscience at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, is a collaborative environment with about 130 employees and students, spread across 21 research groups (neuro.nl). We are part of an internationally competitive research community, working closely with universities, institutes, and industry partners in the Netherlands and abroad.

You will join the Schonewille lab, which studies how the cerebellum develops, differentiates, and supports sensorimotor integration (neuro.nl/research/schonewille). The lab aims to understand cerebellar function in both health and disease by linking neuronal activity at the cellular and population level to behavior. You will work in an international team with researchers from diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who:

• Holds an MSc degree in Neuroscience or a closely related field.
• Has experience with electrophysiological recordings.
• Has affinity with data analysis and coding.
• Can work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team.
• Has good scientific writing and presentation skills in English.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A temporary contract for 4 years.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,108 and €3,939 (PhD scale), based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours.
• An allowance for irregular working hours.
• The option to work full-time or part-time, depending on what works best for you and the department. We value a healthy work-life balance.
• An extra month’s salary paid in November (13th month) and a commuting allowance.
• A pension scheme with ABP, where Erasmus MC pays 70% of your contribution. This means your net salary is higher than you might expect.
• Access to our sports facilities at Erasmus MC. Even a bike repair service is available if you get a flat tire.

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action. 

For more information about this position, please contact

Martijn Schonewille, Professor, m.schonewille@erasmusmc.nl

No agencies please.