PhD student in the Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research

Job title:

PhD student in the Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research

Company

VIB

Job description

The Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology (UA), led by Dr. Seppe De Schepper, has a vacancy for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Neuroimmunology. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of the immune system and the gut-brain axis in health and neurological diseases, with a particular focus on macrophages and circulating leukocytes between the gut and brain.
The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge projects exploring immune cell trafficking, tissue-resident macrophage biology, and their roles in neuropathology, particularly Parkinson’s disease. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research that bridges insights into the nervous system of the gut and brain, uncovering mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration and immune interactions. Position
You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of neuroimmunology, focusing on the gut-immune-brain axis and its role in health and neurological diseases.You will publish scientific articles related to the research project in peer-reviewed journals.You will take initiative in designing and conducting experiments, troubleshooting challenges, optimizing protocols and other research support tasks such as training of junior lab membersYou will be expected to pursue independent funding opportunities and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO Key Responsibilities
Conduct innovative research within the lab’s scope, with potential projects including:
Role of tissue-resident macrophages in peripheral synucleinopathy
Immune cell trafficking and the periphery-brain axis
Design and execute experiments using transgenic mouse models, spectral flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, and imaging.
Analyse data and interpret findingsCollaborate with internal and external researchers to achieve project goals.Profile
Master’s degree in neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.Strong interest in neuroimmunology, macrophage biology, and the gut-brain axis.Hands-on experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, animal behaviour, computational methods, etc.) and/or animal models is preferred.Experience with or willingness to learn advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, -omics technologies, and transgenic mouse models is neededExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills.Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
What We Offer
A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.The applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWOAccess to state-of-the-art facilities and training in advanced techniques.Opportunities for career development, networking, and mentorship.Support for presenting at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.A competitive stipend and benefits package in line with VIB guidelines.The planned start date is the 1st of March 2025 or soon after.
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 teamA 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 [https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en]

Expected salary

Location

Antwerpen

Job date

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 23:32:48 GMT

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