Michael van der Kooij

Senior neuroscientist and research leader with over 15 yrs of experience in preclinical neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology and behavioral research. Proven track record in designing and leading complex in vivo studies, securing competitive research funding (>€600k), managing multidisciplinary collaborations, and translating biological questions into robust experimental strategies. Extensive expertise in rodent behavioral phenotyping, stress biology, metabolism, developmental neuroscience and biomarker discovery.

Experienced in working at the interface of academia, technology partners and translational research programs.

Principal Investigator (Assistant Professor) at University Medical Center Utrecht (2021-11 – Present)

• Lead an independent research program investigating how early-life adversity affects brain, immune and metabolic development.
• Supervise a team of students, technicians and research staff.
• Develop collaborations with academic, clinical and technology partners.
• Secure external funding and manage research budgets.
• Present scientific findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Generated multiple senior-author publications in neuroscience and immunology.

Principal Investigator (DFG-funded) at Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) (2021-07 – 2024-06)

Scientific lead of a €400,000 externally funded research program investigating stress-induced metabolic dysfunction and motivational deficits.

• Scientific leadership of funded research program.
• Experimental design and execution.
• Collaboration management.
• Student supervision.
• Scientific dissemination and publication strategy.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) (2019-01 – 2021-06)

• Conducted research on stress, metabolism and motivational behavior.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center (2015-05 – 2018-12)

• Investigated neurobiological mechanisms linking stress, metabolism and cognitive function.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist at EPFL (2010-01 – 2015-05)

• Studied stress, social behavior and mitochondrial function in rodent models.

PhD in Neuroscience – University Medical Center Utrecht (2006-01 – 2010-05)

MSc in Medical Biology – Leiden University (1999 – 2005)