About us
The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and embedded within the University of Leuven. We are now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Flemish Cognitive Compass Project, a multidisciplinary collaboration between VIB and the Universities of Leuven, Ghent and Antwerp. The project aims to improve early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and to identify novel pathways and targets for disease‑modifying therapies.
About the role
We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to establish an iPSC biobank for Alzheimer’s disease research and to drive in vitro drug target and mechanistic discovery efforts using 3D triple culture system based on iPSCs. The cell lines will be derived from participants of the Flemish Cognitive Compass who show genotypes and biomarker phenotypes relevant to Alzheimer’s disease.
Key responsibilities:
1. Coordinate the derivation, quality control and biobanking of participant-derived iPSC lines, in collaboration with clinical partners, core facilities and/or contract research organisations.
2. Establish and oversee a 3D neuronal-microglial-astrocyte co-culture platform, including workflow optimisation, automatisation, equipment procurement and SOP development.
3. Conduct mechanistic studies using the triple co-culture platform, addressing both fundamental and translational questions in Alzheimer’s disease.
Your profile
General & Professional skills
4. PhD degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related field.
5. Strong expertise in molecular and cellular neurobiology and working with iPSCs.
6. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
7. Excellent organisational skills.
8. Strong attention to detail, data integrity and scientific rigour.
9. Fluency in written and spoken English.
In vitro skills
10. Hands-on experience with iPSC derivation, QC, maintenance and differentiation.
11. Experience with 3D and co-culture in vitro models of the central nervous system.
12. Experience with cell-based assays and plate-based screening.
13. Strong track record of accurate data generation, documentation and experimental reporting.
Our offer
14. A key role in a multi-university research programme with high societal relevance and a strong translational angle.
15. A stimulating, diverse and international research environment within a world-class laboratory focused on Alzheimer’s disease.
16. Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.
17. A competitive compensation package commensurate with expertise and experience.
18. Start date: as soon as possible; the position is available immediately.