Open positions

May 2025

Postdoctoral Research Position in Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies – Institute of Neuroscience, UCLouvain, Brussels

The Aging and Dementia Lab (Institute of Neuroscience) together with the MassProt group (de Duve Institute) at UCLouvain is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate the role of ubiquitination in tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease. This position is available starting September 1st, 2025, funded for two years with potential for renewal based on performance.

About the Project:

Our lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with a special emphasis on protein homeostasis and post-translational modifications in Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. This postdoctoral project will explore in particular how changes in ubiquitin-mediated signalling and associated cellular protein degradation pathways regulate tau aggregation, clearance, and neurotoxicity.

The candidate will employ a combination of biochemical, proteomic, cellular, and in vivo approaches to dissect dynamics related to ubiquitination and their functional consequences in disease-relevant models.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to study the impact of pathological ubiquitination profiles in tauopathy models (transgenic mice)
• Use techniques such as protein biochemistry and mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, neuronal cultures, cellular and molecular biology approaches
• Analyse data and contribute to manuscript and grant preparation
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers in a highly interdisciplinary setting
• Present research at lab meetings, conferences, and seminars

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• Experience in protein biochemistry and neurodegenerative diseases
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques and data analysis
• Solid publication record in relevant areas
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Fluent in English (written/spoken), knowledge of French is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies or neurodegenerative conditions
• Experience with protein biochemistry and viral transduction
• Background in working with neuronal cultures or mouse models

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment (3 research groups from 2 institutes involved in the project)
• Access to cutting-edge core facilities and model systems
• Mentorship in research development, scientific writing, and career planning

Application Instructions:

Please send the following materials in a single PDF to:

Pascal Kienlen-Campard (pascal.kienlen-campard@uclouvain.be) and Didier Vertommen (didier.vertommen@uclouvain.be).

with the subject line “Postdoc Application – Ubiquitination & Tauopathies”:

• Cover letter outlining research interests, experience, and fit for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact details for 2–3 professional references
• Optional: One representative publication

Application Deadline: June 15th 2025

UCLouvain is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

PhD Student position in Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

The Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell Biology, headed by Dr Yves Jossin, is offering a PhD position. The research team is located at the Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) of the University of Louvain Medical School (UCLouvain, Belgium) situated on the Brussels campus.

The mammalian cerebral cortex plays key roles in cognition, sensory and motor functions, and the control of our emotions. The proper execution of these tasks depends on a long process of embryonic and postnatal development which relies on the production by neural stem cells of the appropriate number of neurons with proper identities that migrate to their specific location and make connections with each other. Defective signaling pathways during development are the cause for many human brain disorders. The goal of our studies is to better define the mechanisms involved in neural cell proliferation, migration and differentiation in order to gain a better understanding in brain formation and develop effective strategies to treat a wide range of devastating brain diseases.

We are using an interdisciplinary approach including, but not restricted to: protein interaction studies, alteration of signaling pathways in vivo, cell culture (cell lines and primary cultures), luciferase assay, histology, organotypic tissue culture assay, RT-qPCR, profiling of translating mRNAs.

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field. Knowledge in molecular and cellular biology is required. Experience in the field of neurodevelopment is an asset but is not mandatory. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively either in English or in French.

The starting date is January 1st 2026. Salary is determined according to standard Belgian regulations. The provision of funding is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to secure a 4-years FRIA fellowship from the Belgian FNRS organization. This is organized as a 10-min presentation followed by a 10-min defense of the project in front of a jury, and taking place in October-November.

Applications should be sent by email to yves.jossin@uclouvain.be, and must include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your research motivations and the grade list during your BSc and MSc. Applicants should also request letters of recommendation to be sent by one or two established scientists to the same email address.

Contact:
YVES JOSSIN, PhD
Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell Biology
Institute of Neuroscience
University of Louvain Medical School
Brussels, Belgium
e-mail : Yves.Jossin@uclouvain.be

April 2025

Post-doctoral position at UCLouvain (Brussels campus)

Supervisor: Dr. David Gueorguiev

1 Post-doctoral position available on the ERC project: Computational Modelling of Tangible
Objects on Multisensory Interfaces (TANGO)

Deadline for application: 30/04/2025

The project:
Current interactive systems provide realistic audio-visual feedback while haptic feedback is limited even though haptic interactions with devices are essential and touch plays a large role to convey immersive sensations. Thus, usable high-fidelity haptic rendering has the potential to improve interactions with interactive interfaces and future metaverses. Knowledge has started emerging on haptic rendering and multisensory perception of tangible objects. Still, combining multiple techniques to stimulate the full bandwidth of tactile sensitivity remains a hard challenge and little is known about the perceptual integration of tactile cues such as friction, temperature, or vibrations. Specifically, TANGO aims to

• Create a computational model of multisensory integration that outputs perceived realism during interaction with objects. Data to feed the model will be collected from experimental studies on complex tactile and multisensory sensations.

The Institute:
The Post-doc will take place at the Institute of Neuroscience of UCLouvain in the Cognition and System department (https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/ions/cosy), a vibrant research center in the Brussels that spans all the areas of neuroscience.

The profile:
We are looking for outstanding candidates with a PhD in cognitive science, computer science, engineering, or in a relevant field. The candidates should have practical experience in at least one programming language (ex: Matlab, Python, C, R…). Interest in VR and experience with experiments that involve participants is appreciated as well as “Make It Happen” spirit and good communication skills. Interested applicants should demonstrate a C1 level command of English.

Start date of the Post-doc is foreseen on 01/05/2025.

A one or two-years contract is possible.

To apply, send an email to david.gueorguiev@uclouvain.be (before 30/04/2025) with your CV and a motivation letter (max 2 pages) that describes your interest in one of the suggested topics.

March 2025

Recruitment for a PhD in Neuroscience

The Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) of UCLouvain is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to run a multidisciplinary research project in NeuroScience on two Belgian sites: the Brussels and Yvoir University Hospitals of UCLouvain.

The project aims at quantifying motor function recovery and motor learning in the early phase of stroke by means of robotics and at correlating recovery and motor learning with multimodal brain MRI. Healthy control subjects will be recruited for comparison purposes.

The successful candidate will have a strong neuroscience, medical, engineering or scientific background, and/or experience with Matlab or Python programming, and/or multimodal MRI, and/or robotics applied to neuroscience/human movements.

The call is open to people with a Master 120 and a degree in medicine, neuroscience / biomedical science, engineering, psychology or physical / occupational therapy.

• Depending on her/his basic skills, the candidate will have the opportunity to:
• Receive training in multimodal MRI data collection and analysis (BrainVoyager, SPM …)
• Receive training in robotic data collection and analysis (Matlab or Python)
• Receive training in clinical data collection and analysis
• Receive training in statistical analysis and programming (R studio …)
• Receive training in scientific writing – communication
• Be involved in data collection and curation (Data Management Plan – Data Repository)
• Interact with a multidisciplinary team (neurologists, MRI experts, neuroscience / motor control experts, physical therapists, stroke unit nurses, engineers, statisticians, IT experts …)
• Interact with acute stroke patients and healthy control subjects

If you do NOT speak French fluently, please do NOT apply. Indeed, the project will involve French-speaking acute patients from the Stroke Units of the Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc (Brussels) and CHU UCL Namur (Yvoir).

The application will include a full CV, a letter of motivation underling why the candidate is the best suited for this project, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Submission deadline: 30 April 2025.

The project will start immediately after the selection of the candidate.
Please, send your application to: Pr Yves Vandermeeren, MD, PhD (yves.vandermeeren@uclouvain.be)

January 2025

Post-Doctoral Researcher in fMRI and Multimodal Neuroimaging
KU Leuven & Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to join the interdisciplinary IBAT project: The Insular Basis of Thermoception and Social Cognition. This ambitious study explores the role of the insular cortex in thermoception and socio-emotional processing, using a combination of intracerebral EEG (iEEG), task-based fMRI, and behavioral assessments in patients with epilepsy and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced fMRI analyses, including multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and functional connectivity.
• Collaborate closely with the team to integrate iEEG and behavioral data for multimodal insights.
• Contribute to participant recruitment and data collection at both KU Leuven and UCLouvain.
• Prepare manuscripts for high-impact journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Foster collaboration between the two host institutions.

Profile:

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in task-based fMRI, with hands-on experience in MVPA or similar advanced techniques.
• Familiarity with interoception, thermoception, or socio-emotional processing research is an asset.
• Experience with integrating multimodal data (e.g., fMRI and EEG) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in high-impact journals.
• Willingness to work part-time at KU Leuven and part-time at UCLouvain.
• Proficiency in Dutch or French is a plus

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities, including high-field MRI scanners and intracerebral EEG systems.
• The opportunity to work in a collaborative team combining expertise in neuroimaging, clinical neuropsychology, and systems neuroscience.
• Funding for travel to international conferences and participation in training workshops.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with the guidelines of KU Leuven and UCLouvain.

Closing date application: March 1st, 2025.

Start date: as soon as a suitable candidate is selected.

For more information, contact prof. dr. Jan Van den Stock (jan.vandenstock@kuleuven.be) or prof. Dr. Giulia Liberati (giulia.liberati@uclouvain.be).

December 2024

Junior Postdoc Position

The Developmental Neurobiology group located in Brussels, Belgium is seeking for a junior postdoc with an “international mobility” status (i.e. who did not reside or work in Belgium for more than 24 months in the last three years).

The main purpose of our research is to understand the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the nervous system and link them to brain tumour genesis and aggressiveness as well as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
We study the role of cell polarity and cytoskeleton in these processes.

The laboratory is integrated in the Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) at the medical school campus of the University of Louvain (UCLouvain). The IoNS is an interdisciplinary institute where neuroscientists from different backgrounds combine different approaches, ranging from cells to patients, to tackle frontiers questions in neurosciences. UCLouvain is a multicultural centre with employees from more than 120 nationalities.

The position is funded on a yearly basis for up to 3 years. We use different models including genetically engineered mice, primary cultures of cancer stem cells, and human-derived embryonic stem cells. Leading-edge technologies are applied ranging from live imaging and slice culture to single-cell omics analyses. By collaborating with clinicians, we aim to enhance the translational value of our research.

Requirements: PhD in Life Sciences or Neuroscience. Expertise in Cell & Molecular Biology as well as Histology is required. Candidates with expertise in data mining and analysis will be preferred.

For applications, please email to fadel.tissir@uclouvain.be

Relevant publications from the lab:

- Ruiz-Reig et al., PNAS (2022).
- Hakanen et al., Progress in Neurobiology (2021).
- Lau et al., Elife (2021).
- Boucherie et al., Molecular Psychiatry (2018).
- Damiani et al., Nature Communications (2016).
- Wang et al., Nature Communications (2016).
- Chai et al., Nature Neuroscience (2014).
- Boutin et al., PNAS (2014).
- Qu et al., PNAS (2014).
- Tissir et al., Nature Neuroscience (2012).
- Tissir et al., Nature Neuroscience (2010).
- Zhou et al., Science (2008).
- Tissir et al., Nature Neuroscience (2005).

November 2024

PhD positions at UCLouvain (Brussels campus)

Supervisor: Dr. David Gueorguiev

2 PhD positions are available on the ERC project: Computational Modelling of Tangible Objects on Multisensory Interfaces - TANGO -

The project:

Current interactive systems provide realistic audio-visual feedback while haptic feedback is limited even though haptic interactions with devices are essential and touch plays a large role to convey immersive sensations. Thus, usable high-fidelity haptic rendering has the potential to improve interactions with interactive interfaces and future metaverses. Knowledge has started emerging on haptic rendering and multisensory perception of tangible objects. Still, combining multiple techniques to stimulate the full bandwidth of tactile sensitivity remains a hard challenge and little is known about the perceptual integration of tactile cues such as friction, temperature, or vibrations. Specifically, TANGO aims to

1/ characterize typical gestures and contact mechanics during interaction with real objects.

2/ understand how gestures and the dimension of haptic feedback influence perception of simulated tactile objects

3/ create a computational model of multisensory integration that outputs perceived realism during interaction with objects. Studies will also consider two main population factors: age and sensory impairment.

The PhDs within the project will focus on one of these three goals and aim at understanding and optimizing haptic rendering in multisensory interactions.

The Institute:

The PhD lasts 4 years and will take place at the Institute of Neuroscience of UCLouvain in the Cognition and System department (https://uclouvain.be/fr/instituts-recherche/ions/research-areas.html), a vibrant research center in Brussels that spans all the areas of neuroscience.

The profile:

We are looking for outstanding candidates with a Master degree in cognitive science, computer science, engineering, or in a relevant field. The candidates should have practical experience in at least one programming language (ex: Matlab, Python, C, R…). Interest in VR and experience with experiments that involve participants is appreciated as well as “Make It Happen” spirit and good communication skills. Interested applicants should demonstrate a C1 level command of English.

Start date of the PhD is possible from 01/02/2025 but flexible upon agreement with the successful candidates (no later than 01/10/2025).

To apply, send an email with your CV and a motivation letter (max 2 pages) that describes your interest in one of the suggested topics.

The email is to be sent to david.gueorguiev@uclouvain.be before 31/12/2024.