Postdoctoral Researcher in Myelin Imaging bij KNAW

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong technical expertise to study the oligodendrocyte myelin sheaths in brain tissue in health and disease. Many brain disorders, including rare genetic white matter disorders (leukodystrophies) and more common diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, are characterized by white matter pathology including myelin swelling (vacuolization), damage, loss or remodeling. Recently, we found that myelin swelling is not always the start of myelin loss, but that it can be followed by repair (Arafa et al. Science 391, eadr4661, 2026). Neuronal activity contributes to myelin swelling, but the mechanisms and dynamics underlying myelin swelling and repair are poorly understood.

The Role

Leveraging advanced microscopy approaches, you will investigate myelin in living tissue (Higgins, Al-Naqib et al. 10.64898/2026.05.15.725074) to determine the biophysical and molecular mechanisms associated with myelin remodeling. This project is a collaboration with Dr. Rogier Min of the Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center (ALC), Amsterdam UMC. Well-validated mouse models for various leukodystrophies offer opportunities to study myelin swelling and remodeling in disease contexts, taking an important step towards a better understanding of this understudied, but common phenomenon and building bridges to the clinic.

Responsibilities

•

Conduct research on oligodendrocyte myelin sheaths in brain tissue.

•

Utilize advanced microscopy techniques to study myelin in living tissue.

•

Collaborate with Dr. Rogier Min and other researchers at the Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center.

•

Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

•

Supervise master/PhD students involved in research projects.

Requirements

•

A PhD obtained within the past four years in neuroscience or a related research field.

•

Demonstrated experience with single-cell electrophysiology and/or live functional imaging from neurons and/or glia (e.g. 2P/SCoRe).

•

Experience (> 2 years) with brain-tissue preparation methods preferably involving mouse models.

•

Proven ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

•

Highly proficient in spoken and written English.

•

Experience supervising master/PhD students in research projects.

•

Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

•

Certification under Article 9 of the Dutch Experiments on Animals Act, or a comparable EU certification for experimental animal use, is an advantage.

•

Proficiency with programming languages (Python, MATLAB, R) is a plus.

What We Offer

You will be joining a highly collaborative neuroscience research environment and benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Kole group is renowned for their fundamental cellular neuron-glia studies of myelinated axons. We have new high-end in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological infrastructure, optogenetic and high-speed one and two-photon imaging setups. Through close collaboration with Dr. Min at the Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, you will have the opportunity to investigate myelin remodeling in clinically relevant disease models, adding a strong translational dimension to the project. This is a full-time position for 1.0 fte (38 h/week), initially for one year. Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract will be extended for an additional two years. You will have ample opportunities to further develop your scientific knowledge and technical skills through courses offered by the Academy, participation in (inter)national conferences, and additional opportunities for personal development.

Application Process

You can submit your motivation letter and curriculum vitae via the Apply Now button. This vacancy is open until September 30, 2026. However, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

About the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is a leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, in the international and progressive city of Amsterdam. It provides a critical mass of scientists (spanning more than 27 nationalities) and neuroscience facilities, in a highly interactive, dynamic, multi-cultural environment, with English as the working language.