Postdoctoral Researcher in the Field of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Field of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation

VIB

Antwerp, Belgium

Position

The research groups of Neuroimmunology (NIM) and Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) at VIB-CMN-UA, are excited to announce a call for a joint postdoctoral researcher to study the complexity and heterogeneity of both mouse and human microglia in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. By using state of the art spectral flow cytometry you will develop advanced tools to analyse and study microglia phenotype, function and dysfunction. If you are up for a technological challenge to address key biological questions, this project could be a perfect fit for you.

External and internal post-doc researchers who are eligible to submit an FWO or MSCA post-doc application are invited to apply. The top ranked candidate(s) with the best profile (project proposal & CV) acquire a preparatory post-doctoral research mandate to further develop and submit a competitive research proposal to FWO (Flemish Science Foundation) or MSCA (Horizon Europe Marie Curie fellowships), with the University of Antwerp as host institution.

Project background

Understanding the dynamics of microglia in brain disorders is critical for the future development of therapeutics. Microglia are crucial in shaping brain connectivity, as defects in microglia have been recently linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, genetics of neurodegeneration place microglia as one of the central drivers of disease. The impact of microglia during the progression of neuropathology is dictated by their subtype composition – as different subsets will lead to different functional outcomes. Microglia transcriptional heterogeneity has been widely studied using transcriptomics approaches, however, the exact microglial subtypes involved in physio and pathophysiological processes remain to be elucidated. By applying spectral flow cytometry and developing a multi-dimensional platform to phenotype microglia, you will aim to identify functional subsets of microglia in the context of neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in biomedical sciences, biotechnologies or related disciplines;
• You have spent at least 12 months of the three years prior to the start date as a postdoctoral scholarship holder outside Belgium. You did not work or study in Belgium during these 12 months. Short-term stays (e.g. holidays, participation in conferences, preparation for this stay as a postdoctoral scholarship holder) will not be taken into account;
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies;
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision;
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation;
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in English;
• You comply with the FWO Post Doc and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Post-doc eligibility criteria.

Required Skills

• Minimum 3 years hands on experience with complex flow cytometry is required, including panel design, testing, troubleshooting and analysis;
• Experience in Immunology or Neuroimmunology;
• Experience in working with mouse models (FELASA B or C required);
• Ability to adapt to the research environments while being full members of two labs;
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Desirable skills

• Experience with Spectral flow cytometry;
• Experience with myeloid cells biology;
• Basic/intermediate programming skills in R and/or python;
• Experience with iPSC and/or cell culturing.

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