Postdoctoral Scientist in Neurogenomics - 2018BAPFFBDEF146

Description

We are a highly motivated and multidisciplinary team at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to join our lab for 2 years (with possibilities for extension).   

One of the main topics of our lab is gene discovery in neuromuscular disorders. Using single-gene mutations as perturbations, we aim to provide a direct route to the biology of these debilitating diseases and offer management and treatment opportunities. Our research strategy is not limited to one experimental approach, but starts with genetic studies in unique collections of patients and extends to functional studies in model systems, like Drosophila, yeast or human cells.

In the advertised project, the Postdoctoral researcher will study Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies (CMT) and hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP), two clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders with a common dying-back etiology. We have large collections of CMT/HSP patients with still unidentified genetic defects, where consanguinity or ethnic origin will facilitate gene discovery. The candidate will use genetic approaches for mapping of human disorders combined with genome, exome, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics, to find the culprit genes. The causality of identified mutations and the triggered pathomechanisms will be further tested in appropriate cellular and animal models. Genotype-phenotype correlations will be established to facilitate the future diagnosis and prognosis of the patients.

The postdoctoral researcher will be embedded in an ongoing project with a multi-disciplinary team of wet lab scientists and bioinformaticians, and with a multi-site network of clinical experts. He/she will have access to state-of-the-art on-site facilities for sequencing, tissue culture, animal modeling and high-performance computing. The position will allow exciting opportunities for publication, collaborative research and overall career development.

As part of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB, the successful applicant will benefit from established collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in functional genomics and cell biology, proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, structural biology, technology development, and bio-informatics. VIB provides a highly interactive environment and ample training opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is located in the city of Antwerp, the capital of Flanders, offering a culturally and historically rich, and ethnically diverse environment.

Profile

Postdoctoral candidates are expected to have:

• A recently obtained PhD in Genetics/Genomics, or a related field, and an interest and commitment to understanding neurodegenerative diseases;
• At least one accepted first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal;
• Ability to plan, execute and analyze an independent research project;
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

How to apply?

​Please e-mail  your:

• Detailed CV containing list of publications 
• One page description on previous research experience, skills and research interests
• Names and addresses of 2 referees

to:  albena.jordanovamolgen.vib-ua.be

Contact: More details on the project can be obtained from Prof. Albena Jordanova, PhD (albena.jordanovamolgen.vib-ua.be)

VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, University of Antwerp-CDE 
Universiteitsplein 1
2610 ANTWERPEN Tel: +32-3- 265.10.25

The University of Antwerp is a family friendly organization, with a focus on equal opportunities and diversity. Our HR-policy for researchers was awarded by the European Commission with the quality label HR Excellence in research.

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