Postdoctoral Position in Pharmacy (University of Antwerp)

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. The VIB Center for Molecular Neurology at The University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) senior researcher/postdoc in the laboratory for gut-immune-brain axis research Position The Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology is a newly established and expanding research group led by Dr. Sebastiaan De Schepper. The lab focuses on how the peripheral immune system shapes the brain immune landscape in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on tissue-resident macrophages along the gut-brain axis. We use various transgenic mouse models in combination with immunophenotyping tools and -omic techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which the gut-immuno-brain axis can contribute to neuropathology. We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. The successful candidate will investigate how the peripheral immune system communicates with the central nervous system in the onset and progression of neurological diseases. The project centres on the migration and trafficking of immune cells—particularly myeloid cells along the gut-brain axis, examining how these cells contribute to the onset and progression of neuropathology. The candidate should be highly motivated to lead the research project with independence and ownership. Key responsibilities Conduct in-depth research on how the peripheral immune system modulates the gut-brain axis and brain homeostasis in health and disease. Investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which immune cells travel from the gut to the brain, using advanced immunophenotyping, fate mapping, and -omic approaches. Collaborate with team members to analyze and integrate spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data. Designing and leading your research project, but with sufficient guidance and mentoring Engage in collaborative projects within the lab and across the VIB community, contributing to lab meetings, journal clubs, and collaborative publications. Profile PhD in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related discipline Expertise in immune cell phenotyping and strong interest in immune cell trafficking gut, brain or gut-brain neuroimmunology Proven experience with transgenic mouse models and techniques like flow cytometry and microscopy Experience with -omic approaches and computational tools for data analysis is desirable Solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to advancing the field of neuroimmunology. have excellent communication and writing skills in English What we offer A full-time position initially for one year with the possibility for renewal up to 3 years. You will be encouraged to apply for personal fellowships Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support cutting-edge research. Opportunities to collaborate with top researchers in neurodegeneration, immunology and neurogenetics If you are hired as a senior researcher: Your 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. If you are hired as a postdoctoral scholarship:Various high level training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP). You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. Professional development through regular mentorship, training opportunities, and collaborative projects The planned starting date is 1 March 2025 A stimulating international research environment A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here. The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic aetiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, human pluripotent human cell systems and organoids. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientists from across the world. Want to apply? You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questionsor send an email to vacatures@uantwerpen.be . A cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation to join the team A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications. Contact information for two references. The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Sebastiaan.deschepper@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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The VIB Center for Molecular Neurology at The University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) senior researcher/postdoc in the laboratory for gut-immune-brain axis research

Position

The Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology is a newly established and expanding research group led by Dr. Sebastiaan De Schepper. The lab focuses on how the peripheral immune system shapes the brain immune landscape in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on tissue-resident macrophages along the gut-brain axis. We use various transgenic mouse models in combination with immunophenotyping tools and -omic techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which the gut-immuno-brain axis can contribute to neuropathology.

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. The successful candidate will investigate how the peripheral immune system communicates with the central nervous system in the onset and progression of neurological diseases. The project centres on the migration and trafficking of immune cells—particularly myeloid cells along the gut-brain axis, examining how these cells contribute to the onset and progression of neuropathology. The candidate should be highly motivated to lead the research project with independence and ownership.

Key responsibilities

Conduct in-depth research on how the peripheral immune system modulates the gut-brain axis and brain homeostasis in health and disease.
Investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which immune cells travel from the gut to the brain, using advanced immunophenotyping, fate mapping, and -omic approaches.
Collaborate with team members to analyze and integrate spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data.
Designing and leading your research project, but with sufficient guidance and mentoring
Engage in collaborative projects within the lab and across the VIB community, contributing to lab meetings, journal clubs, and collaborative publications.

Profile

PhD in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related discipline
Expertise in immune cell phenotyping and strong interest in immune cell trafficking gut, brain or gut-brain neuroimmunology
Proven experience with transgenic mouse models and techniques like flow cytometry and microscopy
Experience with -omic approaches and computational tools for data analysis is desirable
Solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to advancing the field of neuroimmunology.
have excellent communication and writing skills in English

What we offer

A full-time position initially for one year with the possibility for renewal up to 3 years. You will be encouraged to apply for personal fellowships
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support cutting-edge research.
Opportunities to collaborate with top researchers in neurodegeneration, immunology and neurogenetics
If you are hired as a senior researcher:
- Your 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.
If you are hired as a postdoctoral scholarship:Various high level training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
Professional development through regular mentorship, training opportunities, and collaborative projects
The planned starting date is 1 March 2025
A stimulating international research environment
A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic aetiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, human pluripotent human cell systems and organoids. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientists from across the world.

Want to apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questionsor send an email to vacatures@uantwerpen.be .
- A cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation to join the team
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
- Contact information for two references.
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Sebastiaan.deschepper@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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

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