PhD student in the Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research

The Laboratory for GutImmuneBrain Axis Research at the VIBCenter for Molecular Neurology (UA) led by Dr. Seppe De Schepper has a vacancy for a fulltime (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Neuroimmunology. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of the immune system and the gutbrain axis in health and neurological diseases with a particular focus on macrophages and circulating leukocytes between the gut and brain.

The successful candidate will work on cuttingedge projects exploring immune cell trafficking tissueresident macrophage biology and their roles in neuropathology particularly Parkinsons disease. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research that bridges insights into the nervous system of the gut and brain uncovering mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration and immune interactions.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of neuroimmunology focusing on the gutimmunebrain axis and its role in health and neurological diseases.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project in peerreviewed journals.
• You will take initiative in designing and conducting experiments troubleshooting challenges optimizing protocols and other research support tasks such as training of junior lab members
• You will be expected to pursue independent funding opportunities and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships such as FWO

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research within the labs scope with potential projects including:
  • Role of tissueresident macrophages in peripheral synucleinopathy
  • Immune cell trafficking and the peripherybrain axis
• Design and execute experiments using transgenic mouse models spectral flow cytometry immunophenotyping and imaging.
• Analyse data and interpret findings
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to achieve project goals.

Profile

• Masters degree in neuroscience immunology molecular biology or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in neuroimmunology macrophage biology and the gutbrain axis.
• Handson experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g. molecular biology immunology neuroscience animal behaviour computational methods etc.) and/or animal models is preferred.
• Experience with or willingness to learn advanced techniques such as flow cytometry omics technologies and transgenic mouse models is needed
• Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English both written and spoken.

What We Offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation the scholarship can be renewed once for another twoyear period.
• The applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships such as FWO
• Access to stateoftheart facilities and training in advanced techniques.
• Opportunities for career development networking and mentorship.
• Support for presenting at international conferences and publishing in peerreviewed journals.
• A competitive stipend and benefits package in line with VIB guidelines.
• The planned start date is the 1st of March 2025 or soon after.

How to apply

Submit your application through the VIB online application tool and be sure to include:

• A cover letter detailing your research interests experience and motivation to join the team
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
• Contact information for two references.

For more information about our research center