About the Lab
The Verstreken Lab at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Belgium, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to develop translational approaches that target Tau-induced defects at pre-synaptic terminals.
About the project
The protein Tau is associated with more than 20 neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Tau pathology correlates very well with cognitive decline. Under normal circumstances, Tau attaches to neuronal microtubules, but during pathology, the protein detaches and mis-localizes, causing havoc at synapses.
Our lab showed that Tau acts via the synaptic vesicle-associated protein Synaptogyrin-3: removing this protein very significantly rescues Tau-induced synaptic degeneration but also cognitive decline in mouse models. This proof-of-principle indicates that it is possible to target the presynaptic activity of Tau to alleviate the associated cognitive decline, a symptom also prevalent during the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Your job
Our laboratory unravels the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson’s disease and Tauopathies. The main goal of this project is to eliminate the actions of Tau at presynaptic terminals and to rescue cognitive decline, synapse loss and ultimately neurodegeneration.
You will engage in translational work to develop strategies that target Tau at synapses. These include antisense oligonucleotides and other related strategies, and testing their effectiveness in mouse models, differentiated human iPS cells and human/mouse chimeric models of Alzheimer’s disease using behavioral and imaging analyses.
You will also be exposed to the vibrant entrepreneurial environment at VIB and at KU Leuven, and work with professionals in the field of innovation and translation.
Selected references:
- Zhou et al., 2017 Nat Comms
- McInnes et al., 2018 Neuron
- Davie et al., 2018 Cell
- Lauwers et al., 2018 Mol Cell
- Valadas et al., 2018 Neuron
- Largo-Barrientos et al., 2021 Neuron
Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical and creative individual to join our team. The candidate should have a strong interest in synapse biology and neurodegenerative disease.
Essential
- Ph.D. in neurobiology (molecular, cellular, translation, neuronal disease) or related disciplines
- A solid publication record with first-author research publication(s) in peer-reviewed international journals
- Prior experience with mouse neurobiology
- Skilled in stereotactic and IV injections and mouse surgery
- Team player
Useful but not required
- Prior experience with iPSC and ASO technology
- Prior experience with translation or entrepreneurship
We offer
- A versatile and challenging job in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level
- State of the art research facilities
- State of the art business development and translation facilities
- A dedicated training program to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
- A competitive compensation package based on expertise and experience
- Financial support for at least 2 years. The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or national funding organizations)
Starting Date: as soon as possible
How to apply?
For more information contact patrik.verstreken@kuleuven.vib.be. Please complete the online application procedure and include a motivation letter, a detailed CV, including a list of publications, and the contact information of three referees.