The Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience group (with dr. Umberto Olcese) from the University of Amsterdam is seeking a motivated MSc intern to work on a research project that aims to investigate sleep in brain organoids and mice.

Project: Sleep is essential for everyday life, and its disturbances can serve as early warning signs of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease. Sleep is currently studied on animals or in 2D cultures, neither of which are informative of individual sleep habits. Brain organoids are self-organized cell culture models derived from human stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). They have been used as in vitro models for investigating the molecular and neural mechanisms of neurological diseases including autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is unknown whether brain organoids have the potential as a model for sleep research. We will combine cutting-edge techniques in systems neuroscience and stem cell biology to demonstrate a new human-derived in vitro sleep model that potentially contribute to the early diagnosis for neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

Conduct the behavioral training on mice

Assist in maintenance of brain organoids

Analyze neural imaging and behavioral data

Collect information (e.g., literature review, handbook reading) for problem solving

Requirements

Essential:

• Strong research interest in neuroscience, stem cell biology or other relevant fields
• Willingness to work with mice and brain organoids

Preferred experience (a plus):

• Mouse behavioral training
• Cell culture
• Programming in python

What you will gain

Mentorship and guidance in research methodologies.

Hands-on experience in neuroscience and cell biology experiments.

Development of data analysis skills.

Networking opportunities with researchers across various disciplines.

Details

Starting date: September 2024 (Preferred)

Duration: Minimum of 6 months

Location: Amsterdam Science Park

Supervision: You will be supervised by Dr. Junying Wang (Postdoc) in Dr. Umberto Olcese’s lab.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to Junying Wang at j.wang9@uva.nl with the subject line “Internship Application – [Your Name]”. For more information, feel free to contact the same email address.