Amsterdam University Medical Center 
Amsterdam, Netherlands Resumen de la oferta
The Amsterdam University Medical Center is offering a 12‑month MSCA‑DN PhD position in Gene Therapy for Leukodystrophies, with a possible extension to 3 years. The role focuses on preclinical development of AAV gene therapy and genome‑editing approaches in mouse models of VWM and MLD, including molecular techniques, in vivo studies, and data analysis to link preclinical outcomes with clinical relevance. Candidates should hold a Master’s in life or molecular sciences, have experience with molecular methods and animal work, and be fluent in English. The contract offers €3,217–€4,077 gross per month, a €4,010 living allowance, €710 mobility allowance, and benefits such as vacation hours, pension, transport reimbursement, and access to training programmes. Eligibility requires no prior PhD, a Master’s degree, and limited recent residence in the Netherlands.
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Descripción del proyecto
About your role
As a doctoral candidate, you will contribute to the preclinical development of gene therapy approaches for leukodystrophies. Your work includes:
- testing the efficacy and safety of AAV gene therapy in VWM and MLD mouse models;
- applying genome-editing approaches, including bridgeRNA-guided recombinases, to investigate therapeutic efficacy;
- using molecular techniques and in vivo mouse models to investigate disease mechanisms and treatment responses;
- analysing and interpreting experimental results and considering how preclinical readouts can be aligned with clinically meaningful outcomes;
- collaborating with colleagues at Amsterdam UMC and POLARIS partner organisations and participating in network-wide training activities and planned secondments.You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary research environment. Throughout the PhD project, you will have opportunities to further develop your scientific and transferable skills through the POLARIS doctoral training programme.
About you
We are looking for a motivated candidate with a Master's degree in life sciences, molecular sciences or a related discipline. A background in molecular sciences is particularly relevant to this project.You have relevant research experience and an interest in translational neuroscience and rare disease research. Experience gained during internships or research projects is relevant. We are looking for: - experience with molecular techniques;
- experience with viral vectors and/or in vivo mouse studies is an advantage;
- an interest in responsible use of animal models, animal welfare principles and robust experimental design; experience with behavioural or neurological phenotyping is an advantage;
- an analytical and accurate approach, with the ability to plan, organise and interpret experimental work;
- good communication and collaboration skills and an interest in working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.Formal certification for working with laboratory animals, such as FELASA or an equivalent qualification, is preferred.Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.Eligibility criteria Important, strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs apply to applicants:
- You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- At the time of the application deadline, you must have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
- You must be able and willing to work in an international training network, participate in network-wide training activities and undertake planned secondments with POLARIS partner organisations.
Our offer- A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 3 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
- Salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
- You will receive a living allowance of €4,010 per month, adjusted with a country-specific correction factor and subject to local employer contributions and tax regulations. In addition, candidates will receive a monthly mobility allowance of €710. If applicable, a family allowance of €660 per month is provided for fellows with a spouse and/or dependent children. Successful applicants are also eligible for parental leave in accordance with Dutch legislation.
- Vacation hours: 190.4 per year based on full-time employment and possibility to save additional hours.
- Free and unlimited access to our online learning environment GoodHabitz.
- Pension accrual with the ABP, of which we pay 70% of the premium.
- Reimbursement of your public transport expenses. Do you prefer biking to work? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
- An active staff association and Jong Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.Non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants require a valid residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands.