PhD Position in Neurobiology

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime Full-time

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The Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral scientist to join the Computational Neurobiology Lab

Position

In the Computational Neurobiology Lab we study the regulatory mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant cellular-decision making in the human brain in health and disease. In particular, we investigate the role of spatial chromatin organisation, using a variety of targeted and genome-wide profiling technologies, such as 4C, CHi-C and (sc)SPRITE, 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 scientist for a postdoctoral position in our lab to work on a project at the intersection of graph theory, spatial chromatin organisation and neuroscience. The major aims of the project are to develop (i) a statistical tool for differential analysis of (single-cell) multiway chromatin interactions and (ii) a computational approach for integration of multi-way chromatin interactions into cis-regulatory networks in order to reveal the regulatory mechanisms underlying heterogeneity of early neuronal cell fate acquisition.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in applied mathematics, computer science, machine learning or related disciplines (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• Have strong knowledge of and experience in statistics, data integration and (ideally graph) machine learning
• Have a prior experience in developing and benchmarking statistical tools
• Have excellent programming skills in Python (R is a plus)
• Be able to efficiently communicate with experimental and computational scientists

The following skills are not a must, but would be a strong plus

• strong knowledge in causal inference and formal graph analysis
• knowledge of gene regulatory mechanisms
• processing and analysis of 2D and 3D omics data

What we offer

• We offer a full-time contract as a postdoctoral scientist for a period of 2 years
• The applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO, ELLIS, MSCA and HFSP.
• The planned start date is January 2024 or as soon as possible after that.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

As part of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB , the applicant will benefit from established national and international collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in bioinformatics, functional genomics and neuroscience. 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. The successful applicant will therefore benefit from and play an active role in the life of both centres, for example via organisation of and participation in computational seminars, symposiums and hackathons. 

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 7 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, and pluripotent human cell systems. 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.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a detailed CV, detailing set of mastered computational skills and publications if any (2 pages max.)
  • a letter of motivation describing your relevant research experience, competitive advantages and explaining why you want to work on this project (1-1.5 page max)
  • contact details of two referees
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible.  As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact valeriya.malysheva@vib.be  or jobs.cmn@uantwerpen.vib.be

https://malyshevalab.sites.vib.be/

https://uantwerpen.vib.be/

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.