Postdoc to study the role of Tau, MEG3, and necroptosis in Alzheimer’s Disease

at  KU Leuven

Postdoc to study the role of Tau, MEG3, and necroptosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
(ref. BAP-2024-414)
Laatst aangepast: 28/06/24
The Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases headed by Prof. Bart De Strooper is a vibrant environment where key issues related to Alzheimer’s disease are tackled (PMID 26871627). We are currently looking for a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our multidisciplinary project on neuroinflammation and microglia-neuron interactions to follow up on our recent findings regarding the role of programmed cell death in Alzheimer’s Disease and how this links to Tau pathology (PMID 37708272). In this project, we will assess how the non-coding RNA MEG3 induces necroptosis mechanism and the generation of granulo-vacuolar bodies in neurons.
Responsibilities
The candidate will use human iPS cells both in vitro and in vivo using xenografted mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (see Balusu et al., Science 2023) to gain further insight into this defining axis of pathology in Alzheimer’s disease, which has also high relevance for the development of drugs for this devastating disease.

Additional information may be found in the following selected references from the lab:

• Xenografted human microglia display diverse transcriptomic states in response to Alzheimer’s disease-related amyloid-β pathology. Nat Neurosci. 2024. PMID: 38539015
• MEG3 activates necroptosis in human neuron xenografts modeling Alzheimer’s disease. Science. 2023 Sep 15;381(6663):1176-1182. PMID: 3770827
• The Cellular Phase of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cell 164(4):603-15. 2016. PMID: 26871627 Review.

Profile
Required

The successful candidate:

• Should hold a PhD degree in neuroscience, biology or a related field
• Should be creative, enthusiastic, and critically thinking
• Enjoys teamwork and has excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Appreciated

• Experience working with laboratory mice
• Project management and effective communication skills
• Knowledge of the literature on neurodegenerative disorders
• Knowledge of non-coding RNA
• Good understanding of the endo-lysosomal pathway
• Experience working with iPSC cells
• Good publication record

Offer

• An exceptionally strong scientific environment
• Possibility to supervise students and technicians and develop an independent research profile
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• A stimulating, diverse international research environment in a world-class academic laboratory
• Animal models, expertise in neurodegenerative disorders
• Financial support is available for at least 2 years (renewable one-year contract). However, the successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or National funding organizations).
• Start date: as soon as possible - the position is available immediately

Visit our website
Interested in a virtual visit? Take a look inside our lab here
Interested?
Motivated candidates with a strong interest in neurodegeneration and with a strong commitment to basic research are invited to apply. Please complete the online application procedure and include a CV, a list of publications, a summary of past research and the contact information of 2 to 3 referees. The best-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bart De Strooper, mail: bart.destrooper@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than July 21, 2024 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

• Sollicitatieprocedure
• Arbeidsvoorwaarden
• Loopbaanmogelijkheden

Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
avtimer
Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
locationcity
Locatie : Leuven
timer
Solliciteren tot en met:

Please refer the Job description for details