Doctoral scholarship holder molecular and computational neurobiology

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

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The Computational Neurobiology Lab at the VIB Center for Molecular Neurology of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the fields of molecular and computational neurobiology.

Position

• You will join our vibrant team to work on a challenging and exciting project at the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, computational biology and neuroscience with a specific focus on adult neurogenesis. Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) plays an essential role in normal cognitive function including in memory formation, learning, pattern separation and mood regulation. Adult neurogenesis is vital for brain repair following traumatic brain injury and is disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders. In the DG, neural stem cells (NSCs) transition from a quiescent to an active state, giving rise to neural intermediate progenitor cells which then go on to produce neuroblasts and ultimately new neurons. The molecular mechanisms underlying such state transition remain poorly understood. We hypothesise that quiescent NSCs exist in distinct states, distinguishable at the level of chromatin states and 3D chromatin organisation, and that changes in chromatin organisation coordinate the transition from quiescence to self-renewal. The aim of this project is to investigate this hypothesis using a combination of state-of-the-art experimental omics technologies and integrative computational approaches.
• You will write several scientific articles on this research project and present your work at the national and international conferences.
• You will contribute to other research directions in the lab.
• You will carry out a number of teaching (from the 3^rd year) and research support tasks at the University of Antwerp.

Profile

Required qualifications and must-have skills:

• You hold (or will have obtained by the start date) a master’s degree in genetics, neurobiology, systems biology, molecular biology or related disciplines.
• You can demonstrate excellent academic results
• You have solid knowledge of molecular and cellular processes involved in neurogenesis
• You have deep understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate acquisition and maintenance
• You are confident in basic molecular biology techniques
• You are very motivated to learn and expand both computational and experimental skill set
• You have analytical mindset
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in English
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

Desired skills:

• You understand the theory behind and have hands-on experience with single-cell data processing and multimodal data generation
• You have intermediate programming skills in R and/or python

What we offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years (2025-2027). Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 2 years (2027-2029).
• The starting date is flexible, depending on the candidates’ ongoing commitments, but no later than September 1^st
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will become part of our vibrant enthusiastic international lab and supportive community at the VIB CMN, University of Antwerp, as well as VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology, with which our lab is affiliated.
• You will get access to numerous training courses at the UA and VIB.
• You will receive eco-cheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• 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 December 19^th 2024 (by midnight Brussels time, i.e. 10pm GMT). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter (1-2 pages), clearly addressing each of the following points:
    • why you are particularly interested in this research project and how it aligns with your academic and career goals
    • any relevant knowledge or experience you have in the fields of neuroscience, systems biology, or related disciplines
    • your understanding of key challenges or open questions within the field of adult neurogenesis that you find particularly exciting
    • While longer letters are acceptable, we strongly encourage concise, well-structured letters that clearly communicate your knowledge, interest and fit for the project. Quality and focus are preferred over length.
  •  your academic CV (1-2 pages), clearly specifying:
    • the grades for the most relevant subjects during your Master’s degree
    • mastered experimental and computational skills
    • publications (if any)
    • contact information of two referees.
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline and will notify the shortlisted candidates by early February.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the position itself, please contact Prof. Valeriya Malysheva: valeriya.malysheva@uantwerpen.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.