PhD Position at the Computational Neurobiology Lab

PhD Position: Novel single-cell technology for detection of regulatory chromatin interactions and network inference of fate trajectories in adult neural stem cells

The Computational Neurobiology Lab at the VIB Center for Molecular Neurology 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 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. This project aims 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 national and international conferences.
• You will contribute to other research directions in the lab.
• You will carry out several teaching (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 analytical mindset
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in English
• 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 generation
• You have intermediate programming skills in R and/or python

What 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.
• You will become part of our vibrant enthusiastic international lab and supportive community at the VIB CMN, University of Antwerp, as well as VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology, with which our lab is affiliated.
• You will get access to numerous training courses at the UA and VIB.
• You will receive eco-cheques, an Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. 

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the online job application platform up to and including December 20th, 2024.  Complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter (1-2 pages), clearly addressing each of the following points:
    • why you are particularly interested in this research project and how it aligns with your academic and career goals
    • any relevant knowledge or experience you have in the fields of neuroscience, systems biology, or related disciplines
    • your understanding of key challenges or open questions within the field of adult neurogenesis that you find particularly exciting
  • 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.
• If you have any questions about the position itself, please contact Prof. Valeriya Malysheva:         [email protected].

While longer letters are acceptable, we strongly encourage concise, well-structured letters that clearly communicate your knowledge, interest and fit for the project. Quality and focus are preferred over length.