Postdoctoral Position in the Computational Neurobiology Lab

VIB; Belgique; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

VIB is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join the Computational Neurobiology lab in Antwerp. The project focuses on regulatory mechanisms behind cell-type-specific isoform switching in dementia, combining genetics, systems biology and computational methods.

You will develop and apply advanced analyses of single-cell and multimodal data, explore 3D chromatin regulation, and identify causal regulatory elements and transcription factors, with strong potential for independent

Qualifications

• PhD in computational biology or related fields
• Strong computational background and experience
• Experience in single-cell data analysis and multimodal data integration
• Experience reconstructing gene regulatory mechanisms
• Knowledge of 3D chromatin organization principles
• Programming in R and/or Python to high proficiency
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong academic track record

Responsibilities

• Study regulatory mechanisms underlying cell-type specific isoform switching in dementia
• Develop computational analyses across genetics, systems biology and computational biology
• Identify causal regulatory elements and transcription factors in disease contexts
• Collaborate with experimental groups and contribute to publications and grants

Skills

Single-cell analysis

Multimodal data integration

Gene regulatory networks

3D chromatin

R/Python

English communication

Education

PhD in computational biology or related

PhD in molecular biology or related

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company VIB Research Field Biological sciences Computer science » Systems design Medical sciences Neurosciences Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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 establishe d VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology the host lab contributes to and benefits from the strong computational and machine learning community at VIB. The successful applicant will therefore benefit from and play an active role in the life of both centres.

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.

Please include the following document(s):

• a CV, detailing set of dry lab and (if any) wet lab skills and publications (2 pages max)
• a letter of motivation describing your relevant research experience and competitive profile. You have to clearly and concisely explain why you want to work on this particular project and how it fits into your career trajectory (1-1.5 pages max)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology Country Belgium City Antwerpen Postal Code 2610 Geofield