Postdoctoral Researcher on Neuromodulation of Brain and Cross-modal Plasticity

☞ KU Leuven

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Giorno di aggiornamento: 26-11-2025

Località: Leuven Flemish Brabant

Categoria: IT - Software IT - Hardware / Reti Tecnologie dell’informazione

Industria: Onderwijs

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Contenuto del lavoro

The Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division at KU Leuven offers an international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment that opens up unique research opportunities at a campus in the historical center of Leuven (Belgium), a vibrant student city in the heart of Europe. The goal of our basic research is to develop a molecular-to-organismal understanding of animal physiology and behavior and its context-dependency, governed by the nervous and endocrine systems. The Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity group at the Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division is headed by Prof. Isabel Beets and investigates the neuronal mechanisms that drive experience-dependent plasticity of animal behaviors. The group’s research is aimed at understanding how nervous systems learn and adjust behavior based on experience. Ultimately, this requires an understanding of how specific gene products influence neural circuits to collect and integrate sensory information and control motor outputs over time. To achieve such a reductionist understanding of behavior, we are using the genetically tractable model organism C. elegans that has a small and well-defined nervous system in which individual neurons can be easily monitored and manipulated. We are a friendly and interdisciplinary team embedded within a stimulating international research environment, where we closely interact with the C. elegans labs of Prof. William Schafer, Prof. Liliane Schoofs and Prof. Liesbet Temmerman in the Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, as well as with other departments at KU Leuven and the Leuven Brain Institute. For more information about the group and the division, please visit: https://bio.kuleuven.be/df/ib and https://bio.kuleuven.be/df/.

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Responsibilities
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who has a strong interest in neuromodulation in the context of experience-dependent plasticity of neural circuits and behavior. The ability of the nervous system to adapt behavior to environmental changes, in particular aversive stimuli, is crucial for animal survival. We are particularly interested in the circuit and behavioral changes that occur during long-term aversive or stressful experiences and the role of neuromodulatory signaling herein. Neuromodulators, such as neuropeptides, play an essential role in steering long-term adaptive behaviors and primarily act through “wireless” signaling between neurons. We have been mapping these signaling pathways, their structure and activity in the compact nervous system of the genetically tractable model C. elegans, whose neural connectome has been completely mapped, and are using a broad range of techniques (e.g. GPCR deorphanization, quantitative behavioral tracking, optogenetics, cell-type specific RNAseq, and calcium imaging) to understand when and where neuropeptides act within neuronal circuitry to control behavioral states. In the context of an ERC-funded research project, we are looking for a creative and enthusiastic scientist interested in studying the functional implications of neuropeptidergic signaling networks activated by experience, on behavioral and cross-modal plasticity.

In your role as postdoc, you will have the opportunity to shape and lead research projects to uncover fundamental principles of neuromodulatory signaling in animals. You need to be able to set up and troubleshoot your work independently, document it thoroughly and communicate results and experience with the team in a transparent and professional manner. In addition, you must have good communication skills and a collaborative spirit. You provide advice and guidance to bachelor, master and PhD students where applicable.
Profile
Essential requirements:
  • High intrinsic motivation, creative, dedicated and problem-solving attitude
  • Ability to clearly communicate research results to other lab members and scientists
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Team player who can work autonomous in an international team
  • Publication track record
  • PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry or related field

Additional skills that would be an asset, but are not necessary:
  • Experience with neural imaging and image processing, and/or RNAseq
  • Previous work with C. elegans
Offer
Candidates will work in an interactive and highly international research environment with various opportunities to broaden your research experience, and will contribute to the team spirit of our research group consisting of several PhD students, postdocs and technicians.

KU Leuven is in the top 5 of world’s most innovative universities and offers a stimulating and inclusive research environment where quality, professionalism and equality are encouraged. Leuven is located 20 min from Brussels, in the centre of Europe. For more information on the University of Leuven visit www.kuleuven.be/english/.

We offer a full-time contract of one year (extendable after positive evaluation) on an ERC-funded research project (FLEXPEPNET). The salary will be in accordance with the University salary scales for postdoctoral researchers. Envisaged start date to be agreed upon between Oct 2021 and Feb 2022. You are stimulated to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship.
Interested?
Candidates can apply by submitting their CV and motivation letter via the online application tool. Please also include the names and contact details of three senior researchers that are willing to write a letter of recommendation upon request. For more information please contact Prof. dr. Isabel Beets, tel.: +32 16 37 36 97, mail: isabel.beets@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than August 13, 2021 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
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Scadenza: 10-01-2026

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