Postdoctoral Position in the Computational Neurobiology Lab – VIB-UAntwerp, Belgium

Summary

The Computational Neurobiology Lab at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is inviting applications for a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Scientist. Generously funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, this project operates at the intersection of genetics, systems biology, and computational biology to investigate regulatory mechanisms governing cell-type-specific alternative gene isoform switching in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Job Overview

Job Description

The human brain displays wide isoform diversity, serving as a primary model for alternative splicing studies. Recent findings reveal significant changes in alternative transcription start site (ATSS) and alternative transcription termination site (ATTS) usage in causal genes for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). This project aims to conduct genome-wide, high-resolution analyses into how 3D chromatin organization and epigenetic factors regulate these choices.

Key responsibilities and research objectives include:

• Constructing an isoform-specific regulatory atlas for the human brain in health and neurodegenerative disease states.
• Identifying causal regulatory elements and transcription factors governing ATSS and ATTS choice in disease conditions.
• Pinpointing putative causal disease isoforms with underlying genetic variation in dementia.
• Integrating multimodal single-cell data and reconstructing cis-regulatory networks using statistical and machine learning approaches.
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.

Eligibility & Qualification

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Background: A PhD in computational biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, or a related field (computational background); OR a PhD in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, functional genomics, or a related field with substantial computational experience (hybrid background).
• Solid knowledge and demonstrated experience in single-cell data analysis and multimodal data integration.
• Strong experience in the reconstruction and analysis of gene regulatory networks.
• Solid understanding of 3D chromatin organization principles.
• Intermediate to advanced programming proficiency in R, Python, or both.
• A strong academic and publication record relative to career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Beneficial, non-mandatory skills: Experience in analyzing 3D chromatin organization data (e.g., Hi-C, Micro-C) or proteomics data.

What We Offer

• Initial financial support for two years, with the possibility of extension following positive evaluation.
• Full assistance and mentoring in applying for competitive personal fellowships (e.g., FWO, MSCA, HFSP).
• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, high-performance computing, and centralized core facilities.
• Integration into both the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and the VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology.
• Extensive dedicated training programs and a vibrant international research environment located in Antwerp, Belgium.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the official VIB application portal. Please prepare and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed overview of dry lab (and any wet lab) competencies, academic history, and publications (maximum 2 pages).
2. Motivation Letter: A concise statement explaining your relevant research experience, your interest in this specific project, and how it aligns with your career goals (1 to 1.5 pages maximum).
3. References: Contact details (names, affiliations, and email addresses) of two academic referees.

Apply Link

Submit your application online directly via the VIB Job Application Portal.