Postdoctoral Scientist to work on neuronal development

The Laboratory of Interneuron Developmental Dynamics (headed by Lynette Lim) is part of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research and is located on Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. Our lab is interested in the developmental programs that shape inhibitory circuits in the brain. Specially, we are interested in how distinct populations of inhibitory neurons are generated and mature to generate functional circuits. To this end, our work combines various interdisciplinary techniques such as mouse genetics, high content imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics technologies. 

The Lim lab is looking for a postdoctoral scientist to work on neuronal development. Brains are composed of a multitude of neuronal cell types that assemble into specific functional circuits. Elucidating how a small number of neural progenitors could generate the vast diversity of cell types remains a major goal in neuroscience and developmental biology. In our lab, we are interested in understanding the molecular mechanism of neuronal diversification. We focus on cortical GABAergic interneurons as these control and fine-tune local circuits and are often the underlaying cause of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The selected postdoctoral fellow will work jointly with a research technician on an FWO Odysseus grant-funded project (5-year duration) to examine the role of metabolism in driving interneuron diversification. The postdoctoral fellow and research technician will be expected to work as a team and collaborate with other members of the lab. S/he will design, implement, and evaluate experimental results.

Required

• Ph.D. in Biology, Neuroscience, or related field and willing to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship with a high level of curiosity for neuroscience and developmental biology
• willingness to learn new techniques and protocols
• FELASA B is required or must be obtained shortly after appointment
• You have experience with programming (R, Python, Matlab, etc)
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written).
• You have excellent interpersonal communication skills and strong time-management skills.
• You must be very meticulous, proactive, independent, and self-motivated.
• You are a team player and can take responsibility.
• You are enthusiastic to be part of a dynamic and young research lab.

Appreciated

• Experience in single-cell sequencing is a plus
• Experience in CRISPR/cas9/ human ES cell gene editing

• Financial support is available for at least 2 years. However, the successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or National funding organizations).
• Access to top state-of-the-art infrastructure 
• Mentoring, supervision, and training to be the next-generation scientist, inclusive of transferable skills training programs available through the Lim lab, VIB, and KU Leuven.
• Learn innovative techniques and tools, such as single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, gene editing, and developmental neurobiology
• A stimulating international research environment

Starting date: from March/April 2022

Please use the VIB HR Application tool

Additional required information:

• detailed CV
• motivation letter describing your previous research experience
• names and contact information of at least 3 references

For more information: please contact Lynette Lim: [email protected]

info about the lab and the center: