1. PhD in Life Sciences, Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
2. Track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
3. Solid experience with mammalian stem cells, gene regulation, developmental biology, and molecular techniques.
4. Prior experience in cell culture, molecular biology, transcriptomics, epigenomics, early mammalian embryogenesis, human pluripotent stem cells, epigenetics, X-chromosome inactivation, embryo models, microscopy, RNA FISH, single-cell genomics and computational biology is a strong advantage.
5. Strong motivation for collaborative interdisciplinary research in early human development.
The Pasque lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join a newly funded project dedicated to decoding early human embryo development through cutting-edge stem cell-based embryo models, single-cell omics, with a focus on X-chromosome inactivation and cell fate. The project involves collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Claire Rougeulle (Curie Institute, France), Dr. Laurent David (University of Nantes, France) and Dr. Thierry Voet (KU Leuven).
The project aims to elucidate the gene regulatory networks underlying early human postimplantation development, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of X-chromosome inactivation and cell fate specification in extraembryonic lineages. Using innovative stem cell-based embryo models such as blastoids, CRISPR perturbations, microscopy and single-cell omics, the researcher will uncover fundamental processes essential for human development and reproductive health.
Responsibilities include:
6. Study the dynamics of X-chromosome inactivation and its impact on cell fate during early human development using stem cell–based embryo models and microscopy.
7. Perform CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to investigate the function of candidate regulators.
8. Generate and analyze microscopy and single-cell omics datasets.
9. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including experts in epigenetics, computational biology, and embryo modeling.
10. Undergo postdoctoral training and career development (publishing, funding, leadership, networking, job search).
The Pasque lab is dedicated to understanding how early human development, pluripotency, and the epigenetic process of X-chromosome inactivation are regulated, with the ultimate goal of advancing reproductive and regenerative medicine (see publications: Allsop et al. bioRxiv 2025, Shahbazi and Pasque Cell Stem Cell 2024, Pham et al. Cell Stem Cell 2022, Zijlmans et al. Nature Cell Biology 2022, Posfai et al. Nature Cell Biology 2021). Our mission is to unravel the complex mechanisms governing cell fate decisions, gene regulation, and chromatin dynamics during early mammalian development. To achieve this, our team employs a diverse toolkit including genetic, molecular, cellular, and computational approaches to investigate the regulatory circuits orchestrating peri-implantation development and pluripotency, aiming to uncover molecular alterations that contribute to human health and disease. The Pasque lab belongs to the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, is embedded in the stem cell and development cluster, and is affiliated with the Leuven Single-Cell Omics Institute.
11. Competitive salary according to KU Leuven standards.
12. Initial appointment for one year with the possibility of extension up to three years upon satisfactory performance.
13. Work within a dynamic, international team at a top-ranked University. The KU Leuven is currently ranked amongst the best universities in the world by the Times Higher Education and has been recognized as Europe’s most innovative university for four years in a row.
14. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
15. Opportunity to collaborate widely with leading researchers in Belgium and internationally.
16. Located in Leuven, a vibrant city at the heart of Europe with an excellent quality of life.