Postdoctoral researcher Molecular Imaging in neurological disorders

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Antwerp is seeking to fill the following full-time (100 %) vacancy

Postdoctoral researcher in the area of Molecular Imaging in neurological disorders

The Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA) is a dynamic team focusing on preclinical and clinical multimodal imaging research in various disciplines of medicine. In particular, MICA works on translational research from molecule over small animal to first-in-man. The imaging techniques used are Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Computed Tomography (CT) in close collaboration with the Bio-Imaing Lab, providing access to high resolution 7T and 9.4T MRI scanners.

We are looking for a junior postdoctoral researcher to work on preclinical research projects focused on neurological disorders (primarily Huntington’s disease.

Job description

• Work in the area of neurosciences, specifically in the validation of novel PET radiotracers as biomarkers for the evaluation of disease progression and therapeutic interventions in animal models of Huntington’s disease
• Optimization of PET imaging analysis pipelines and post-mortem validation of molecular targets for novel PET radioligands
• Training and guidance of PhD students;
• Coordinate and prepare scientific meetings and reports with external partners;
• Book keeping and inventorizing of experimental resources and time writing;
• Experimental quality control and assurance including weekly debriefing to the PI’s of the lab;
• Contribute to the dissemination of the research findings including (inter)national scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications;
• Assisting in applications for national and international funding programs;

Profile and requirements

• You obtained a PhD degree in molecular neuroimaging or similar (at the latest by July 2022)
• Strong interest in (pre)clinical neuroimaging
• Experience with neuroimaging data preprocessing and modelling analysis;
• Proven research experience with publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
• Strong team player with the ability to succeed in a dynamic international environment;
• Excellent in adhering to experimental and reporting deadlines;
• Work independently at a multidisciplinary level, you are pragmatic, creative and deadline-resistant;
• Fluent in written and spoken English;
• Proven experience with report writing in large projects is a plus;
• Proven experience with grant writing is a plus;
• Experience in experimental operational management is a strong plus.

We offer

• A multi-disciplinary and international work environment with a state-of-the-art research infrastructure;
• A full-time position as a postdoctoral researcher;
• A full-time gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale  for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• 40 days of holiday + 1 week of closing of the University (Christmas Holidays);
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

How to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including September 25th, 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
• Your online application must include the following documents:
  • A 1-page motivation letter
  • Your academic CV, including a complete list of your publications and date of PhD defence.
  • two letters of recommendation
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. 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] . For questions about the profile and job description, please contact Dr. Daniele Bertoglio ([email protected] +32 3 265 28 16) or Prof. Dr. Steven Staelens ([email protected]  – +32 3 265 28 20) of the molecular imaging center antwerp (MICA, https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/rg/mica/ ).

Recent relevant publications :

• Bertoglio et al., Development of a ligand for in vivo imaging of mutant huntingtin in Huntington's disease, Science Translational Medicine, 2022. PMID: 35108063
• Bertoglio et al., Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A is affected in the CNS of Huntington's Disease mice and post-mortem human HD brain, Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2022. PMID: 34531262
• Bertoglio et al., Longitudinal preclinical evaluation of the novel radioligand [11 C]CHDI-626 for PET imaging of mutant huntingtin aggregates in Huntington's disease, Eur J of Nucl Med and Mol Imaging, 2022. PMID: 34651228

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.