PhD spatial proteomics

Job description
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a group of neurodegenerative diseases that progressively affect behavior, movement, personality and/or language. We aim to identify the molecular and cellular causes of FTD that trigger its onset and early progression with the aim to design evidence-based treatment.
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to join our team. You will design and execute proteomics studies on human brain tissue of sporadic patients and human iPSC-derived neurons. The aim is to understand the molecular and cellular dysfunctions that lead to cell-type-specific vulnerability that may be causative to FTD through highly innovative single-cell and spatial (prote)-omics technologies.
Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on
this page
.
As a member of our team, you will:
design and execute proteomics studies to identify cell-type specific vulnerability;
perform experiments in human postmortem FTD brain tissue and patient iPSC-derived neuronal cell cultures;
aid in data analysis and integration of -omics datasets to characterize cell-specific functional dysregulation and cellular crosstalk;
contribute to scientific reporting, publications, and regulatory-ready data packages;
supervise undergraduate students;
report on your findings in regular work meetings, conferences, and scientific publications in reputable journals.

Requirements
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to translational neuroscience in a dynamic team of proteomic and neuroscience researchers in the search for fundamental insights with real-world therapeutic impact. You have:
a master's degree in neuroscience, biomolecular science, or biochemistry;
proven expertise and skills with molecular and cellular work as part of an internship;
experience with programming and data analysis (Python, R). Expertise with omics datasets is a strong advantage;
strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
We are looking for the following personality traits:
excellent organisational and management skills;
working diligently and with high accuracy;
a team player who enjoys collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment;
a creative and independent thinker who takes initiative.

Conditions of employment
You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The
Guideline PhD contract
applies to this vacancy.
Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
Calculate your net salary here
.
Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
Watch this
video
with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Employer
Amsterdam UMC
The project is part of the larger Adore initiative, which aims to bring together cancer and neuroscience expertise and drive biomedical breakthroughs in both fields. This project is a clear example of that ambition, and you will work closely with researchers from both the Cancer Center Amsterdam, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam UMC.
The position is embedded in the single-cell proteomics unit, with new labs in the new RDC Adore building, and cell culture facilities in the VUO research building. Here, you will join a large, interdisciplinary team of researchers working on tumor malignancies and neuroscience disorders and FTD in particular, aimed at understanding dysfunctional cell biological processes. The position is within the NWO‑funded Adore/KIC‑LTP consortium.
There is an active effort to utilize single‑cell proteomics capabilities within Adore, and this project is tightly connected to that development. For this, you will work together with Dr. Claudia Ctortecka of the Adore proteomics unit and be at the forefront of single-cell proteomics research technology.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the
video
to find out more.

Additional information
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
The first round of interviews is scheduled for
November 24, 2026
. The second round of interviews is scheduled for
December 15, 2026
.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact
Claudia Ctortecka
,
SCAPE Unit Lead, via
c.c.ctortecka@amsterdamumc.nl
.
A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read
here
whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.
Together @ Amsterdam UMC
Amsterdam University Medical Center is a leading medical center that combines complex high-quality patient care, innovative scientific research and education of the next generation committed health care professionals. Together we discover the healthcare of tomorrow.
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