The Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Prof. Seppe De Schepper, VIB-UAntwerp) and the Brain and Systems Immunology Lab (Prof. Kiavash Movahedi, VUB) have a vacancy for a full-time (100%) co-joint doctoral project to study tissue-resident macrophages in neurological disorders. This collaborative doctoral project is embedded within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Antwerp and the Brussels Center for Immunology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

DESCRIPTION

This project will investigate how peripheral immune signals shape brain and brain-border immunity and drive neuroinflammation in synucleinopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases. The candidate will employ advanced in vivo models and spatial technologies to dissect the roles of tissue-resident macrophages and infiltrating immune cells along the periphery–immune–brain axis.

ABOUT US

The research team of Prof. Seppe De Schepper investigates how peripheral immune signals influence brain health and disease. We focus on tissue-resident macrophages and immune cell trafficking from periphery to brain. The research team of Prof. Kiavash Movahedi investigates brain immunology with a focus on microglia and non-parenchymal brain macrophages, and how these cells contribute to brain homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and disease.

PROFILE

• You hold a Master degree in biomedical sciences or related life science discipline
• We are looking for candidates with hands-on experience or a strong interest in spectral imaging techniques, confocal microscopy, and bioinformatic analyses
• Experience in mouse work is highly desirable
• Interest in macrophage biology and neurodegenerative disorders
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation
  During the doctoral scholarship, you will be asked to submit and defend an innovative project at the FWO (www.fwo.be) to obtain a personal fellowship. Please do check eligibility criteria prior to applying for this position.

Please refer the Job description for details