Postdoc Position in Electrophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Job in Leuven, Belgium

VIB is a non-profit research institute in life sciences. About 1,300 scientists conduct strategic basic research on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the functioning of the human body, plants, and microorganisms. Through a close partnership with four Flemish universities − UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel − and a solid funding program, VIB unites the forces of 83 research groups in a single institute. The goal of the research is to extend the boundaries of our knowledge of life. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB translates research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients and contributes to new economic activity. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology.

Postdoc Position in Electrophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Job Description

Within the VIB Center for the Biology of Disease at the KU Leuven (Belgium), a postdoctoral position is available in the Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Laboratory of Synapse Biology.

The Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases directed by Bart De Strooper is a top research group in the field of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)  (Serneels et al., Science 2009; Thathiah et al., Science 2009 and Nat. Med. 2013, Guttierez, EMBO, 2012). In particular, we focus on the role of γ-secretase, the protease that produces the Amyloid-beta protein that aggregates in the amyloid plaques of AD patients (De Strooper, Neuron, 2003). We demonstrated that different γ-Secretase complexes exist that can regulate specific cognitive functions (Dejaegere al., PNAS, 2008; Serneels et al., Science, 2009). However, the physiological role of γ-Secretase in the function of brain circuits and in synaptic transmission is still poorly understood. In order to address this fundamental issue, we plan to investigate the electrophysiological properties of different mutant γ-secretase mice available in the laboratory.

The Laboratory of Synapse Biology is a recently established research group headed by Joris de Wit. We focus on the molecular mechanisms that control neural connectivity in developing circuits. Specifically, we investigate the role of synaptic adhesion molecules in synapse formation in neural circuits (De Wit et al., Neuron 2009; O’Sullivan, De Wit et al., Neuron 2012; De Wit et al., Neuron 2013). We plan to investigate the effects of genetic manipulation of synaptic adhesion molecules on synaptic transmission in mutant mice.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study the role of different γ-secretases and synaptic adhesion molecules in the establishment and maintenance of brain circuits. 

Postdoc Position in Electrophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Job Requirements

• The candidate should have strong experience in electrophysiology in mouse brain.
• Candidates with specific experience in experimental settings such as LTP and LTD and patch clamp recordings in brain slices, are particularly encouraged to apply.
• The candidate will work closely with scientists in both labs and is expected to actively contribute to research projects in both labs.
• Candidates must have a PhD degree obtained in the last 5 years, or will obtain a PhD degree at the end of 2014 and should have a strong publication record.

Postdoc Position in Electrophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Application Information

Please apply with your CV and cover letter by the 'apply' button below

Remember - you found this opportunity on Qreer.com

Postdoc Position in Electrophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Summary

Apply