The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and is embedded within the University of Leuven, which ranks among the world’s top 50 universities. At our Center, researchers study the cellular mechanisms of health and disease in the central nervous system.
Dr. Esther Klingler started her lab in 2023 within the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. The research group aims to unravel the developmental trajectories of neurons implicated in emotional responses. Specifically, the team studies how amygdala neurons acquire their fate identity and establish proper connectivity with brain targets during development. To this end, Esther and her team use advanced technologies like single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and connectomics.
Website unit
Responsibilities
About the project:
The research project, under supervision of principal investigator Esther Klingler will focus on (1) characterizing the developmental dynamics of BLA to PFC connectivity and function; (2) identifying the molecular programs during critical developmental windows that influence BLA to PFC connectivity; (3) investigating the plasticity and function of BLA neurons projecting to the PFC.
You will use a combination of circuit tracing methods coupled with electrophysiology recordings and advanced transcriptomics and proteomics technologies.
Selected references: Klingler et al., Nature 2021; Klingler et al., Curr Biol 2019
As a young lab, we are committed to ensuring that every person in the lab receives the training and mentoring they need, is successful, and feels valued. In addition, you will have the opportunity to experience and influence a fresh lab atmosphere.
Profile
The successful candidate:
- holds a PhD in neuroscience.
- has a at least one first-author research publication(s) in a peer-reviewed international journal
- has prior laboratory experience in circuit tracing and electrophysiology. Experience in coding is a plus.
- enjoys working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural scientific environment
- enjoys collaborating and sharing expertise
- is comfortable with performing studies on laboratory mice
- is expected to work independently, drive the research project and associated collaborations
- is ready to travel to and stay in Lyon (FR) to perform recording experiments in collaboration with Dr Audrey Hay’s (co-promoter) team
- is motivated to apply for personal fellowships
- is fluent in both spoken and written English
Offer
- Financial support is available for 2 years. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension upon positive evaluation. However, successful applicants will be strongly encouraged to apply for a personal fellowship (Marie Curie, HFSP, EMBO, national funding agencies).
- An interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies.
- Access to extensive scientific and transferable skills training programs available through VIB and KU Leuven.
- The position is available from September 1st, 2025.
More information
Discover the Center by visiting the website
Looking around during a virtual tour
Follow the Center on social media: LinkedIn
Interested?
Interested candidates should submit their candidacy through the KU Leuven online application tool.
A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:
- motivation letter describing your previous research experience
- your CV
- contact information of at least 2 references
For further information and questions, please email Esther Klingler (
[email protected]).
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.
