Postdoctoral researcher molecular neurobiology and induced pluripotent stem cell research and development

Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences
Regime Full-time

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In the framework of a research project of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), the Peripheral Neuropathy group is looking for a full-time postdoctoral researcher who is eager to develop organoid models to gain novel insights in the pathomechanisms of hereditary neuromyopathies.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral researcher in the field of molecular neurobiology and induced pluripotent stem cell research and development.

The recruited postdoctoral researcher will be part of a new research project, supported by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). The postdoctoral researcher will be integrated in the Peripheral Neuropathy group  of Prof. Vincent Timmerman  and in a competitive international research environment.

About the project

Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy can be caused by mutations in different genes. Clinical

studies have demonstrated that hereditary neuropathies can also involve muscle pathologies, complicating diagnosis and hampering therapy development. We aim to develop co-cultures and neuromuscular organoids generated from patient induced pluripotent stem cells, harboring mutations in small heat shock proteins. Such organoids will allow to gain novel insights in a therapeutic response at the neuromuscular junction, an important morphological structure that so far could not be investigated in a context of neuromyopathy. We will apply immunohistochemistry, microscopy, transcriptomics and electrophysiology on monolayer micro-fluidic devices and neuromuscular organoids to determine the closest neuromuscular junction system that mimics neuromyopathy in a culture system. In this project, we will establish and characterize human neuromuscular systems and demonstrate their relevance by RNA interference therapies.

Position

• You will perform research in molecular neurobiology, induced pluripotent stem cell and organoid development.
• You will assist in the project management and collaborate with national and international scientists and clinicians.
• You will support the activities of the Peripheral Neuropathy research group.
• You will assist in the supervision of master and PhD students and other team members.
• You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally, help to coordinate service projects where relevant, and so on.
• You will submit an application for external funding (e.g. FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship) and assist in other grant writing.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in the field of life sciences (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• You have expertise in molecular neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and microscopy.
• You have experience with iPSC cells or organotypic cultures (2D and 3D cell models).
• You are willing to collaborate internationally and present at international meetings.
• You are an enthusiastic and driven candidate with and excellent scientific track record, as evidenced by your scientific achievements, high-quality publications and other scientific output.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time contract as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 4 years.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale  for a principal research fellow or (for international candidates) the scholarship amounts  for postdoctoral scholarship holders 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.
• The planned start date is 1 May 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment for high-level neuroscience research, with state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure and close links to the University Hospital of Antwerp.
• Incoming international researchers can get advice and comprehensive support from the International Staff Office  of the University of Antwerp.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 29 February 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on 'apply', complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s): (1) a motivation letter, (2) your full academic CV, including a list of publications, (3) two names (work address and e-mail) of reference persons.
• 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] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Vincent Timmerman ([email protected] ).

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.