MSCA-DN PhD position in Molecular Pharmacology (Amsterdam, NL)

About your role

You will use molecular receptor pharmacology techniques to investigate the orphan GPCR and its potential as a therapeutic target. Your work will include:

• Developing cell-based bioluminescent and fluorescent biosensor assays to detect GPCR signalling events in different cellular models.
• Investigating receptor activation and signalling mechanisms.
• Developing and applying high-throughput screening assays to identify potential drug-like modulators.
• Using FDA-approved drug library repurposing and fragment-based drug discovery to identify and characterise promising compounds.
• Contributing to the development of a functional GPCR assay pipeline and the evaluation of lead molecules in collaboration with POLARIS partners.
  About you
  We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry or a comparable life sciences discipline. You bring:
• Relevant experience in molecular pharmacology and/or receptor biochemistry, including cell culture or cell-based signal-transduction assays using fluorescent or bioluminescent biosensors.
• A strong interest in GPCR biology and/or the development of cell-based assays using high-throughput microplate readers and robotics.
• Experience with drug discovery is an advantage.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and fluorescence microscopy is an advantage.
• An accurate and reproducible approach to research, with strong analytical, communication and organisational skills and the ability to collaborate across different research environments. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.Eligibility criteriaImportant, 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 will participate in the network-wide training programme of POLARIS, which includes (international) training activities and planned secondments with POLARIS partner organizations throughout the EU.
  Our offer
  
• A full-time, 3-year employment contract with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam;
• Salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host-organisation rules. More detailed information about the salary will follow;  ;
• Embedding in the international POLARIS doctoral training network;
• Access to network-wide training activities, secondments and transferable-skills development;
• A challenging and translational research project at the interface drug discovery, in vitro and in vivo neuroscience, rare disease biology;
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment;
• An open and supportive team culture with opportunities for scientific and professional development.