Postdoctoral Researcher - Neurodegenerative Diseases

Postdoctoral Researcher - Neurodegenerative Diseases

VIB

Antwerp, Belgium

Overview

The Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology, led by Dr. Seppe De Schepper, is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. The selected candidate will lead a project investigating how tissue-resident macrophages in peripheral organs respond to pathological triggers and contribute to early events in neurodegenerative diseases. The researcher will integrate macrophage functional profiling with spatial and molecular approaches to uncover disease-relevant mechanisms. The candidate should be highly motivated to lead the research project with scientific independence, creativity, and initiative. Researchers eligible to apply for an FWO or MSCA fellowship are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct innovative research on how tissue-resident macrophages respond to pathological stimuli and influence brain homeostasis.
• Apply cutting-edge techniques including spectral flow cytometry, spatial and single-cell technologies to unravel macrophage-driven mechanisms in early stages of neurodegeneration.
• Collaborate closely with team members to analyse and integrate cellular, molecular, and spatial insights.
• Design and lead your research project, with sufficient guidance and mentoring.
• Contribute to the mentoring of junior lab members and participate in grant writing and dissemination activities.
• Engage in collaborative projects within the lab and across the VIB community, contributing to lab meetings, journal clubs, and collaborative publications.

Requirements

• PhD in immunology, neuroscience, neuroimmunology, or related discipline.
• Expertise in macrophage biology and strong interest in neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Parkinson’s disease.
• Proven experience with transgenic mouse models and techniques like spectral flow cytometry and microscopy (FELASA certificate required).
• Experience with -omic approaches and computational tools for data analysis is desirable.
• Solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to advancing the field of neuroimmunology.
• You comply with the FWO Post-doc and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Post-doc eligibility criteria.

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