Research Intern or Master Student to Investigate Myelination in the Brain – #6680488

Groep: KOLE GROEP
Type: Student Project
Locatie: Amsterdam
Omschrijving: Studying with transgenic mice, advanced microscopy, and activity measurements the role of myelination of nerve cells.
FTE: Fulltime
Periode: 6-9 maanden
Dagelijkse begeleiding: Naomi Petersen
Senior Tutor: Maarten Kole

Omschrijving

The brain contains billions of nerve cells and even more glia cells. The two cell types are closely cooperating to orchestrate neural activity, by which our memories are stored, and our behaviors are produced. While nerve cells generate electrical impulses, some specific glia cell types tightly wrap fatty membrane layers, called myelin, around the nerve cell to speed the velocity of the traveling impulses. Dysfunction or loss of myelin wrapping causes demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of our research is to unravel the functional properties of signal propagation in neurons and glia cells. This research will provide new fundamental insights into myelination and, ultimately, could improve the cognitive dysfunctions of MS patients.

An internship is available for interns (HBO/HLO) or MSc students with an interest in aiming for a career in a research environment, providing experimental lab support and learn to independently execute a research project. In this internship you will oversee the genotyping, immunohistochemistry and subsequent data acquisition with advanced microscopy techniques and data analysis using IMARIS/ImageJ. You will be responsible of animal experiments, learn about welfare aspects, perform virus injections and brain perfusions. You will participate in the lab meetings and contribute to conducting experiments, data analyses and presentation. We will provide guidance by experts, a vibrant research group and a great learning environment to get accomplished with advanced neuroscience research skills.

Interested candidates are welcome to visit us and letters of intent (and your CV) can be sent to: Maarten H.P. Kole (m.kole@nin.knaw.nl)

Please click here to apply.