MSCA-DN PhD in zebrafish models for leukodystrophies (York, UK)

Amsterdam UMC • Contract • Nederland • 2m ago

About your role

Your research will combine different approaches to:

Develop and standardise behavioural assays across multiple zebrafish models of leukodystrophy.
Characterise disease phenotypes using multimodal imaging and complementary experimental approaches.
Apply advanced imaging techniques, including MRI, high-resolution confocal microscopy and electron microscopy.
Develop and refine imaging analysis pipelines, using appropriate software, quantitative approaches and innovative analytical methods.
Compare and benchmark preclinical outcomes across different disease models and against clinically relevant measures.
Identify robust and reproducible readouts that can support the use of zebrafish in preclinical therapy development.
Work collaboratively across different research environments, integrating findings from zebrafish models with data from mammalian models and other experimental systems.

As part of the POLARIS training programme, you will undertake planned secondments that complement your research at the University of York.

At Zantiks, you will gain hands-on experience with behavioural analysis equipment and software and learn how ideas emerging from academic research can be developed towards commercial application.

You will also undertake a secondment at the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging, a leading preclinical imaging centre with access to advanced technologies including MRI, PET, CT, SPECT, ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, magnetic particle imaging (MPI), optical imaging and hyperthermia. These technologies can be applied across a range of experimental models, including cells, organoids, Drosophila, zebrafish and rodents.

The academic research and PhD defence will be based at the Department of Biology at the University of York.

About you

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in translational neuroscience, rare disease research and the development of robust preclinical models. You bring:

A Master’s degree in life sciences or a related field.
Experience with microscopy and image-data analysis, ideally gained through research projects or internships involving in vivo zebrafish models.
Experience with behavioural or neurological phenotyping is advantageous.
Experience with animal research, animal-welfare principles and robust experimental design is advantageous.
An interest in developing imaging analysis pipelines using innovative or novel approaches.
Experience with coding, specific imaging software such as GA3 Elements, machine learning or quantitative image analysis is advantageous.
A strong interest in understanding how preclinical readouts can be aligned with clinically meaningful endpoints.
A willingness to work with researchers using different disease models and to use these models to benchmark and develop your assays.
A curious and critical mindset, with the ability to evaluate experimental approaches and interpret complex datasets.
An accurate and reproducible approach to research, with strong attention to detail and the ability to plan and organise complex experimental work.
Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across different research environments and disciplines.
The ability and willingness to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, collaborating with colleagues at the University of York and across the POLARIS consortium.

Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.

As part of your appointment, you will complete the required UK Home Office training and certification to work with animals in accordance with UK regulations.

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 UK 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 12-month contract, with the intention to extend to a total duration of three years.
A salary of £48,780–£53,680, with salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host-organisation rules.
The position at the University of York is subject to standard UK right-to-work and visa regulations.
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 of in vivo disease modelling, leukodystrophy biology, behavioural phenotyping and advanced imaging.
A collaborative and interdisciplinary working environment.
An open, supportive and positive team culture with opportunities for scientific and professional development.

See for more information: Statement of Main Terms and Conditions of Employment for Marie Curie Experienced Researchers.

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