The project is embedded in the research program of Prof Dr Annelies Quaegebeur at the Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit of the department of Imaging & Pathology KU Leuven, with strong ties to the University of Cambridge. Our lab is focused on the toxic interaction between protein aggregation, glia-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration. We are an international, interdisciplinary team integrated in international research consortia such as Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) and Dementia Frontiers Fund.
Our lab studies disease directly in the human context: by direct access to deeply phenotyped human post-mortem brain tissues, we move beyond animal and cell-based models to interrogate the molecular landscape of neurodegeneration as it actually unfolds in human disease. This project directly builds on our ongoing work into the molecular substrates of neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease and "Parkinson-plus" disorders using state-of-the-art spatial omic and digital pathology technologies.
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Responsibilities
This position sits within our international Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) research program on the role of epigenetic changes and ageing in Parkinson's disease. Our research program will integrate high-resolution, multi-omics post-mortem tissue analysis with functional validation in cellular models with the aim of identifying heterochromatin erosion as a key driver of the regional pathology of Parkinson's Disease and thus its clinical heterogeneity and progression. These findings could then lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic ageing processes. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to build a molecular, spatial picture of the epigenetic and inflammatory signatures of glia in human brain tissue of Parkinson's disease through an integrated approach of cutting-edge spatial proteomic, transcriptomic and histological technologies.
The successful applicant will:
• Optimise and apply novel spatial omics workflows in human brain tissue.
• Integrate proteomic data with transcriptional and epigenetic signatures and digital quantitative pathology pipelines.
• Map disease-associated signatures in relationship to neurodegeneration.
• Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research, and translate these findings into the broader data pipeline.
• Collaborate within our multidisciplinary ASAP team and others to advance understanding of neurodegenerative processes.
• Write and contribute to publication and dissemination of research findings including presentation at conferences.
Profile
• A PhD in Neuroscience or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with histology and/or tissue-based techniques (immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, image analysis).
• Experience with computational biology (handling of large datasets, omics analysis, Python, R).
• Critical thinking, with the ability to independently design experiments, analyse data rigorously, and troubleshoot proactively.
• Interested in molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and human neuropathology.
• Enthusiasm for applying innovative technologies and working with human brain tissue.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and fluency in English.
• Rigorous, organised, and collaborative, with enthusiasm for working in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
• Open to supporting more junior researchers in the lab.
Offer
• A fully funded postdoc position, initially for 1 year with possibility to extend to 3 years.
• You will become an integral part of a dynamic, well-funded research group, utilising advanced technologies and able to support ambitious research projects.
• You will be trained in working with human brain tissue, a specialised, highly sought-after expertise that will set you apart on the scientific job market.
• You will work with cutting-edge spatial technologies, expertise, and infrastructure that offers a novel window onto molecular mechanisms in human neurodegeneration.
• You will have direct access to unique collections of deeply phenotyped human brain tissue of neurodegeneration.
• You will join a collaborative team with English as the working language, and become a key member of our Aligning Science Across Parkinson (ASAP) team with expertise spanning human neuropathology, omics, epigenetics, computational biology, cell modelling and clinical neurology.
• You will become part of the international ASAP research consortium, and will be integrated in a broad network of international scientific collaborators, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary project work and fostering long-term career development.
• A high degree of autonomy in designing and executing experiments, with a flexible schedule supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Tailored career development and mentorship including support to apply for competitive personal fellowships.
More information
https://www.asapcrn.org/research-community/teams/barker/
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Annelies Quaegebeur, mail:
[email protected] To apply, please submit:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact details of two academic referees
The anticipated start date is 1st of October 2026.
KU Leuven is committed to an inclusive and diverse working environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
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.
