PhD Position – Project “SYNERGY: Mechanisms of Neuronal Stress and Recovery

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The SYNERGY project aims to unravel the mechanisms of neuronal stress and recovery in the ischemic penumbra — the zone of partially injured but potentially recoverable neurons surrounding a brain infarct. Using advanced in-vitro models, we study how metabolic stress affects neuronal network function and how recovery can be enhanced, with the eventual goal to translate findings to the clinic.

We are currently developing a stable, long-term, high-throughput experimental system to study neuronal network activity under controlled metabolic stress. This platform enables systematic investigation of how neurons transition between reversible and irreversible dysfunction and allows testing of candidate interventions — such as metabolic support strategies, neuromodulation protocols, or electrical stimulation — to enhance resilience and promote recovery. These findings will inform the development of clinically relevant neuroprotective and recovery-oriented strategies.

Overall, SYNERGY bridges experimental neurobiology, biophysics, and computational analysis to provide mechanistic insight into neuronal survival pathways and guide future translational approaches for patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

As a PhD candidate in the SYNERGY project, you will design and perform in-vitro experiments using MEA electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, and related techniques. You will study neuronal failure and recovery after metabolic stress in rodent and human iPSC-derived cultures, and evaluate potential recovery-enhancing interventions. You will also help refine the experimental setup for stable long-term measurements, analyze large-scale electrophysiological and imaging data, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians.

• Motivated, creative, and technically skilled candidate with an interest in bridging fundamental neurobiology and translational neuroscience;
• You have a master degree in the field of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, or a related field;
• You have solid hands-on experience with in-vitro techniques such as neuronal or stem-cell culture, immunocytochemistry,microscopy, or electrophysiology;
• You bring technical affinity and interest in improving experimental setups, along with basic programming or data-analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R);
• You have strong communication skills in English and a collaborative, problem-solving attitude complete your profile.

• A full-time position for four years within the Clinical Neurophysiology (CNPH) group.
• You will join a highly interdisciplinary research environment combining experimental neuroscience, biophysical modeling, and clinical data analysis, embedded in a strong national and international network.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Are you interested in joining our team? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 14
, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications,…