PhD student (4 years)

The BPRC is a scientific institute that conducts research with the aim of contributing to the development of new medicines for life-threatening human diseases and alternatives to animal testing. At www.bprc.nl you can read which subjects have our special attention and how we conduct our research.

We are looking for a

PhD student (4 years)

You will be joining the Department Neurobiology & Aging of the BPRC, which studies aging and age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and the (long-term) consequences of COVID-19 on the brain.

The project

This research project focuses on the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease. Recent work from our department showed elevated levels of neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and neuropathological hallmarks related to Parkinson’s disease following a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a non-human primate model. The aim of this project is to uncover underlying mechanisms by further exploring available post-mortem brain tissues and biofluids (blood and CSF) using various methods such as immunohistochemistry, incl. multiplex fluorescent imaging, RNA sequencing (bulk & single cell) and proteomics analyses. In collaboration with the platform Advanced In vitro Model Systems at the BPRC further mechanisms can be tested in vitro using iPSC cultures.

What we offer you

A fully funded 4-year PhD position in a challenging environment with a diversity of great colleagues.

Do you want to apply?

Please send a cover letter with your motivations, a very concise summary of previous research activities and the curriculum vitae before April 14 to [email protected]. Contact details for 2 referees may be requested after an initial interview.

Further information

For questions about the position, please send an email to Dr. Jinte Middeldorp, [email protected].