Postdoc position in Computational genomics of Alzheimer’s disease

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Sleegers lab  (Complex Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease) at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology , Belgium, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational genomics of complex Alzheimer’s disease.

Position

The Sleegers lab is committed to increasing insights into the complex genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and to investigating the translational potential of genetic discovery. We use advanced genomic technologies and genetic-epidemiological methods on human study populations to identify molecular mechanisms that can serve as future targets for early detection, prevention, and treatment. We participate in numerous international networks and consortia, to enhance gene identification, interdisciplinary gene characterization and early biomarker discovery.

The VIB-UAntwerp Center is part of VIB, a Life Sciences institute with colleague-researchers in neuroscience, cancer, biotechnology, structural biology, and immunology amongst others and an extensive set of core facilities and opportunities for technology transfer. The VIB-UAntwerp Center is also embedded within the University of Antwerp. The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university, offering an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students; conducting pioneering scientific research and playing an important service-providing role in society with more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries.

Selected references:

• Cuyvers et al. Lancet Neurology (2015) 14(8):814-822
• De Roeck et al. Acta Neuropathologica (2018) 135(6):827-837
• De Roeck et al. Genome Biology (2019) 20(1):239
• Neumann et al. Molecular Psychiatry (2022) 27:1990-1999
• Bellenguez, Küçükali et al. Nature Genetics (2022) 54:412-436

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated, critical and creative individual with a strong interest in computational genomics and Alzheimer’s disease to develop and/or apply computational approaches to large scale genomic or transcriptomic datasets for identification of targets for early detection, prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The candidate should have:

• a PhD in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or related disciplines
• scientific excellence and integrity
• good programming skills, proficiency in Unix/Linux and cluster experience
• a strong track record in -omics data analysis (short and long read DNA / RNA sequencing, in situ sequencing, single cell data analysis) is a plus
• excellent communication and writing skills in English

What we offer

• Financial support for at least 2 years. The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or national funding organizations)
• A versatile and challenging job in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level
• Access to state of the art infrastructure and core computing and experimental facilities
• Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skill set
• A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators

As part of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB, the applicant will benefit from established collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in genomics (short and long read sequencing), functional genomics and cell biology, proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, structural biology, technology development, and bioinformatics.

VIB provides a highly interactive environment and ample training opportunities for its researchers. The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is located in the city of Antwerp, the capital of Flanders, offering a culturally and historically rich and ethnically diverse environment.

Starting Date: as soon as possible

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application Click on 'apply', complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s):
  • (1) a letter of motivation describing your interests
  • (2) a detailed CV
  • (3) contact details of two referees
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact [email protected]  or [email protected] .
• https://sleegerslab.sites.vib.be/
• https://uantwerpen.vib.be

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.