Back to all vacancies
Contract type
Permanent
(Primary) Location
Antwerp
Education level
Bachelor
Master
PhD
Postdoc
Regime
Full-time
Company category
Academia & Research Institutes
Job category
Research & discovery
Work experience
<1 year
1-2 years
3-5 years
6-10 years
+10 years

Joint postdoc position to establish next-generation humanized models

The Laboratories for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research (GIBA, Prof. Seppe De Schepper) and the Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders lab (MIND, Prof. Renzo Mancuso) at the VIB–Center for Molecular Neurology are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to establish next-generation humanized and engraftment models for studying peripheral neuroimmune mechanisms driving Parkinson’s disease.

Building on recent advances in iPSC-derived xenotransplantation models and supported by the Horizon Europe (ERC), we aim to extend these approaches towards new tools and organ systems to better understand how human immune cells interact with α-synuclein pathology in the earliest events of Parkinson’s disease.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead an ERC-funded pioneering research line at the interface of neuroimmunology, stem cell biology, and neurodegeneration.
  • Contribute to the setup and optimization of novel xenotransplantation models.
  • Collaborate across VIB (GIBA and MIND labs, amongst others) and international partners to integrate immunology, stem cell technology, and Parkinson’s biology.
  • Supervise junior colleagues, contribute to grant writing, and disseminate findings through high-impact publications.


Requirements

  • PhD in neuroscience, immunology, stem cell biology, or related discipline.
  • Proven expertise in Parkinson’s disease models and iPSC-derived in vivo systems (xenotransplantation or related).
  • Strong publication record and independent research drive.
  • Experience in working with mouse models (FELASA B or C required)
  • Experience with advanced imaging/omics and CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a plus.
  • Team-oriented, innovative, and motivated to push boundaries in translational neuroimmunology.


What We Offer

  • A full-time position initially for 2 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
  • A competitive salary and benefits package
  • If you come to the lab by public transport; full reimbursement
  • If you come to the lab by bike; bike allowance of €0.30/km
  • Eco-cheques
  • Internet fee
  • Closing week between Christmas and New Year
  • Professional development through regular mentorship, training opportunities, and collaborative projects.
  • The planned starting date is 1 January 2026

 


How to apply?

Submit your application through the VIB online application tool and be sure to include:

  • 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.

 

For more information about our research center https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en

For more information about the hiring labs https://deschepperlab.sites.vib.be/en and https://mancusolab.sites.vib.be/en

Apply for this vacancy