Postdoctoral Position in the Computational Neurobiology Lab

VIB BV; Antwerpen; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year contract with VIB/UAntwerp

Independent funding support

Training programs

International research environment

Access to core facilities

Job summary

VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to study regulatory mechanisms of ATSS/ATTS choice in neurodegenerative diseases. The role bridges genetics, systems biology and computational biology with emphasis on isoform usage in dementia.

The project aims to build an isoform-specific regulatory atlas of the human brain, identify causal regulatory elements and transcription factors, and pinpoint putative disease isoforms with genetic underpinnings.

Qualifications

• PhD in computational biology, systems biology, bioinformatics or related disciplines.
• Strong computational background or hybrid with experimental training.
• Solid knowledge of single-cell data analysis and multimodal data integration.
• Strong understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms and 3D chromatin organization principles.
• Proficient in R and/or Python; excellent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Build isoform-specific regulatory atlas for human brain in health and disease.
• Identify causal regulatory elements and transcription factors underlying ATSS/ATTS choice in dementia.
• Identify putative disease-associated isoforms with genetic underpinnings and contribute to multidisciplinary analyses.

Skills

Single-cell analysis

Multimodal data integration

Gene regulatory mechanisms

3D chromatin organization

R and Python programming

English communication

Strong academic record

Education

PhD in computational biology or related

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Project description

In the Computational Neurobiology lab, we study causal mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant cellular decision‑making in the human brain in health and neurodegenerative diseases. More specifically, we investigate the role of spatial chromatin organization in cell fate acquisition and maintenance, using a variety of targeted and genome‑wide profiling technologies and develop statistical and machine learning approaches for multimodal data integration and cis‑regulatory network reconstruction.

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to work on a project at the intersection genetics, systems biology and computational biology to study the regulatory mechanisms underlying cell‑type specific switching of alternative gene isoform in different types of dementia, generously supported by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The human brain shows some of the widest isoform diversity of any organ and has therefore been an important model for studying alternative splicing. Intriguingly, recent data showed widespread changes in isoform usage, specifically in usage of alternative transcription start site (ATSS) and alternative transcription termination site (ATTS) of causal disease genes, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). This brings to the forefront the significance of ATTS/ATTS choice across neurodegenerative diseases and the need for comprehensive holistic research into the mechanisms regulating it, as currently the knowledge of these mechanisms is severely lacking. Most recently, large‑scale changes in 3D chromatin organization and epigenetic factors have been shown to affect or correlate with alternative splicing/exon usage. Yet, a systematic study of the precise mechanisms governing ATSS/ATTS choice, on a genome‑wide scale at high‑resolution, and of the role of the combined action of chromatin organization and epigenetic factors in these mechanisms has not been conducted until now. The proposed project is aiming to bridge this gap via (i) building isoform‑specific regulatory atlas for the human brain in health and disease, (ii) identifying causal regulatory elements and transcription factors responsible for determining ATSS and ATTS choice in disease and (iii) identifying putative causal disease isoforms with a genetic underpinning in dementia.

Your profile

The candidate should have:

• Either a fully computational background (PhD in computational biology, systems biology, bioinformatics or related disciplines), or a hybrid background with a strong computational experience (PhD in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, functional genomics or related disciplines)
• solid knowledge of and experience in single‑cell data analysis and multimodal data integration
• solid knowledge of and experience in reconstruction and analysis gene regulatory mechanisms
• solid knowledge of 3D chromatin organisation principles
• intermediate/advanced programming skills in R and/or Python
• excellent communication and writing skills in English
• strong academic record

The following skills are beneficial, but are not strictly required:

• experience with analysis of 3D chromatin organization data
• experience with analysis of proteomics data

Our offer

As part of the VIB - UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB, the applicant will benefit from established network of national and international collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in bioinformatics, functional genomics and neuroimmunology. Furthermore, as part of the recently established VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology the host lab contributes to and benefits from the strong computational and machine learning community at VIB.

VIB provides a highly interactive environment and ample training opportunities for its 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.

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 9 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic aetiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, human pluripotent human cell systems and organoids. Research groups have access to state‑of‑the‑art research and top‑notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientists from across the world.

• The host lab will provide financial support for two years with opportunity to extend the contract following a positive evaluation
• The applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO, MSCA and HFSP.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and core experimental and computational facilities in a vibrant, world‑class research environment operating at an international level
• Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skill set
• A stimulating international research environment
• A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators

Starting date: February 2027 or as soon as possible after that.

Get to know us

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