Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Flemish Cognitive Compass

AlzForum Foundation Inc.; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

AlzForum Foundation Inc. in Belgium is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Flemish Cognitive Compass initiative. This role focuses on establishing an iPSC biobank for Alzheimer’s disease research and advancing in vitro drug discovery efforts in collaboration with leading institutions.

The successful candidate will coordinate with clinical partners and develop innovative neuron-microglial-astrocyte co-culture systems for comprehensive research. This position requires a PhD and strong expertise in molecular neurobiology.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in relevant field.
• Strong expertise in molecular or cellular neurobiology.
• Hands-on experience with iPSC derivation, QC, maintenance, and differentiation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the derivation and quality control of patient-derived iPSC lines.
• Establish and oversee a 3D neuronal-microglial-astrocyte co-culture platform.
• Conduct mechanistic studies addressing questions in Alzheimer’s disease.

Skills

Expertise in molecular or cellular neurobiology

Experience with iPSC derivation and maintenance

Fluency in written and spoken English

Excellent organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

3D culture systems

Cell-based assays

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Flemish Cognitive Compass

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and embedded within the University of Leuven, one of the world's top 50 universities. Our mission is to accelerate breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. By combining deep mechanistic insight with translational ambition, we aim to develop next‑generation therapeutic strategies.

We are now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Flemish Cognitive Compass — an ambitious, government‑funded initiative led by Prof. Dr. Bart De Strooper, a global authority in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, affiliated with the University of Leuven–VIB.

This multidisciplinary collaboration between VIB and the Universities of Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp focuses on improving early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and identifying novel pathways and targets for disease‑modifying therapies. The research programme integrates advanced mechanistic studies with population health, disease genetics and biomarker discovery, all within a human‑centric framework.

About the role

We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to establish an iPSC biobank for Alzheimer’s disease research and drive in vitro drug target and mechanistic discovery efforts using 3D triple culture systems within the Flemish Cognitive Compass programme.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate the derivation, quality control and biobanking of patient‑derived iPSC lines, in collaboration with clinical partners, core facilities and/or contract research organisations.
• Establish and oversee a 3D neuronal‑microglial‑astrocyte co‑culture platform, including workflow optimisation, automatisation, equipment procurement, and SOP development.
• Conduct mechanistic studies using the triple co‑culture platform, addressing both fundamental and translational questions in Alzheimer’s disease.

How to apply

Please complete the online application procedure and include a motivation letter describing previous research experience, along with a detailed CV.

Required documents:

• Detailed CV
• Names and contact details of 2 referees (if available)
• Find out more about the De Strooper lab via this link
• PhD degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Strong expertise in molecular or cellular neurobiology.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail, data integrity and scientific rigour.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Hands‑on experience with iPSC derivation, QC, maintenance and differentiation.
• Experience with 3D and co‑culture in vitro models of the central nervous system.
• Experience with cell‑based assays and plate‑based screening.
• Strong track record of accurate data generation, documentation and experimental reporting.