Postdoctoral Researcher – ALS Protein Biology & Pathway Discovery

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. Our research team uses human genetics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to discover ALS-associated genes, cell states and molecular pathways. Establishing how these discoveries manifest at the protein level is essential to understanding their contribution to ALS pathology and uncovering mechanisms not resolved by genetic and transcriptomic data alone. The key objective of this position is to identify points of convergence in molecular functions and pathways that represent promising targets for further research.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will investigate these questions using two complementary approaches: protein-level characterization of human ALS tissue and molecular/cellular studies in neuronal models.

In postmortem ALS spinal cord and brain tissue, you will investigate the cellular and subcellular localization of disease-associated proteins and characterize pathological cell states and pathway alterations. An important aim will be to determine whether newly implicated ALS genes exhibit distinctive pathological signatures, providing insights into disease mechanisms and opportunities for biomarker discovery. You will work to establish high-dimensional multiplexed protein imaging using the MACSima platform, working closely with a research technician to develop antibody panels and optimize staining protocols. These approaches will enable quantitative investigation of protein-level changes across cell types and pathological states.

Complementing these tissue-based investigations, you will examine the molecular and cellular consequences of newly discovered ALS-associated genes in neuronal models. Our team has established CRISPR-engineered iPSC lines carrying ALS-associated variants, alongside matched isogenic controls. Working with iPSC-derived motor neurons generated and differentiated by collaborators within the ALS center, you will focus on downstream molecular and biochemical characterization, including immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and protein analysis. A key focus of these studies will be understanding microtubule organization and function in post-mitotic neurons, with opportunities to explore associated functional consequences.

Close collaboration and active mentorship of junior researchers are vital components of this position. Alongside your own experimental research, you will support the scientific and technical development of PhD and MSc students, helping to plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges and interpret findings. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help shape experimental strategies, develop new approaches and advance shared research objectives, with opportunities to take a leading scientific role in resulting publications.

You will join the Department of Translational Neuroscience at University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) under the supervision of Dr K. Kenna, working closely with a broader collaborative ALS research team (Prof. J. Veldink, Dr W. van Rheenen, Prof. J. Pasterkamp).

Our team is embedded within ALS Centrum Nederland, the national expertise centre for ALS, which brings together patient care, clinical research, human genetics and experimental disease models. Coordinated from UMC Utrecht, the centre has an extensive national and international research network, providing a unique environment for translating genetic discoveries into biological understanding.

You will work alongside geneticists, bioinformaticians, molecular biologists and neuroscientists, with access to expertise in iPSC-derived neuronal models through collaborators at UMC Utrecht and in human neuropathology through our collaboration with Amsterdam UMC.

We seek a curious experimental scientist who enjoys collaborative research and is motivated to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS.

Essential qualifications and experience:
• PhD in neuroscience, molecular or cell biology, neuropathology, biomedical sciences or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental molecular or cellular biology, especially immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy or protein analysis.
• Experience in immunohistochemistry and/or immunocytochemistry, including antibody optimization or validation.
• Ability to design, conduct, troubleshoot and interpret experiments, contributing to shared scientific objectives.
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting and writing scientific research.
• Genuine commitment to team science and active mentorship of PhD and MSc students, supporting their experiments, technical skills and scientific development.

Desirable experience:
• Experience with human brain/spinal cord tissue or neurodegenerative disease.
• Multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial proteomics or high-dimensional imaging.
• Quantitative microscopy and image analysis (e.g., Fiji/ImageJ, QuPath or CellProfiler).
• Western blotting, quantitative PCR or related molecular assays.
• iPSC-derived neuronal models or assays of neuronal function.
• Cytoskeletal biology, microtubule organization or intracellular transport.
• Familiarity with genetics, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics.
• Previous supervision or mentorship of junior researchers.

You are organized, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for experimental work while contributing to shared goals. You enjoy exchanging ideas, solving challenges together and helping colleagues grow.
For further information, contact Dr Kevin Kenna (K.P.Kenna@umcutrecht.nl).

• A salary between € 3724 - € 5867 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.