Doctoral scholarship

Job title:

Doctoral scholarship

Company

VIB

Job description

The Computational Neurobiology Lab [https://malyshevalab.sites.vib.be/en] at the VIB Center for Molecular Neurology [https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en] of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the fields of molecular and computational neurobiology.Position
You will join our vibrant team to work on a challenging and exciting project at the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, computational biology and neuroscience with a specific focus on adult neurogenesis. Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) plays an essential role in normal cognitive function including in memory formation, learning, pattern separation and mood regulation. Adult neurogenesis is vital for brain repair following traumatic brain injury and is disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders. In the DG, neural stem cells (NSCs) transition from a quiescent to an active state, giving rise to neural intermediate progenitor cells which then go on to produce neuroblasts and ultimately new neurons. The molecular mechanisms underlying such state transition remain poorly understood. We hypothesise that quiescent NSCs exist in distinct states, distinguishable at the level of chromatin states and 3D chromatin organisation, and that changes in chromatin organisation coordinate the transition from quiescence to self-renewal. The aim of this project is to investigate this hypothesis using a combination of state-of-the-art experimental omics technologies and integrative computational approaches.You will write several scientific articles on this research project and present your work at the national and international conferences.You will contribute to other research directions in the lab.You will carry out a number of teaching activities (from the 3rd year) and research support tasks at the University of Antwerp.
Profile
Required qualifications and must-have skills:
You hold (or will have obtained by the start date) a master’s degree in genetics, neurobiology, systems biology, molecular biology or related disciplines.
You can demonstrate excellent academic results
You have solid knowledge of molecular and cellular processes involved in neurogenesis
You have deep understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate acquisition and maintenance
You are confident in basic molecular biology techniques
You are very motivated to learn and expand both computational and experimental skill set
You have excellent communication and writing skills in English
You have analytical mindset
Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies [https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research/management/] .
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
Desired skills:
You understand the theory behind and have hands-on experience with single-cell data processing and multimodal data generationYou have intermediate programming skills in R and/or pythonWhat we offer
A doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years (2025-2027). Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 2 years (2027-2029).The starting date is flexible, depending on the candidates’ ongoing commitments, but no later than September 1st 2025.Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here [https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/uantwerp-as-an-employer/hr-policy/] .
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts [https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/what-do-we-offer/] for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
You will become part of our vibrant enthusiastic international lab and supportive community at the VIB CMN [https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en] , University of Antwerp [https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/about-uantwerp/] , as well as VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology [https://vib.be/en/research-and-impact/research-centers/vibai-center-ai-computational-biology] .
You will get access to numerous training courses at the University of Antwerp and VIB.
You will receive eco-cheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. Want to apply?
You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 23rd 2025 (by midnight Brussels time) Doctoral scholarship holder molecular and computational neurobiology | University of Antwerp [https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/vacancies/academic-staff/?q=4007&descr=Doctoral-scholarship-holder-molecular-and-computational-neurobiology]
Click on the ‘Apply’ button, complete the online application form and include the following attachments:a motivation letter* (maximum 1 page), addressing each of the following points:why you are interested in this particular research project, highlighting 2-3 scientific publications, which defined your interestyour understanding of key challenges or open questions within the field of adult neurogenesis that you find particularly excitingany relevant knowledge or experience you have in the fields of neuroscience, systems biology, or related disciplines
your academic CV (1-2 pages), clearly specifying:
the grades for the most relevant subjects during your Master’s degree
mastered experimental and computational skills
publications (if any)
contact information of two referees.
The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline and will notify the shortlisted candidates by end June with interviews to be scheduled in early July.If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Valeriya Malysheva valeriya.malysheva@vib.be. [mailto:valeriya.malysheva@vib.be.]
*We strongly encourage concise, well-structured letters that clearly convey your knowledge, interest and fit for the project. Quality and relevance are preferred over length. Generic letters – those that could apply to any research project – may negatively impact your ranking.

Expected salary

Location

Antwerpen

Job date

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 22:01:57 GMT

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