PhD student/ postdoctoral researcher position in Brain and Cognition

The research project is part of the ERA-NET NEURON consortium “Microglia/neuroncrosstalk in autism spectrum disorder: Role of early inflammatory activation”(MINERVA), with European partners in Finland, Germany, and Italy. The goal of MINERVA is to understand how the immune system and genetic risk factors influence the activity of immune cells in the brain, the microglia, and their communication with neurons - and how these processes modulate neurodevelopmental alterations, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). MINERVA will help to better understand key mechanisms of the immune system that are associated with early brain development. In addition, based on these results, innovative therapeutic approaches may be developed that target neuroimmune and behavioral deficits in ASD. In particular, we will investigate the effects of immune stimulation on early brain development and behavioral alterations in rodent models relevant to ASD. Further, we will apply 3D organoid cultures containing neurons and microglia obtained from patient-derived stem cells to investigate the close interplay between immune cells and neurons. Comparing immune and metabolic signatures in rodents and cell models with ASD patient samples will allow to evaluate the potential translation of the data obtained in experimental settings to the clinic, including potential therapeutic approaches.

At KU Leuven,we study behavioral phenotypes in rodent models for ASD, with a focus on social behavior and socio-affective communication through ultrasonic vocalizations. For example, we demonstrated that 50-kHz calls serve important socio-affective communicative functions in regulating social interactions in rats, e.g. help to maintain social contact and promote play behavior, and are associated with activity in brain reward centers, as shown in playback experiments (The Journalof Neuroscience, 2014). Their production can be provoked by pharmacological compounds, most notably amphetamine (British Journal of Pharmacology, 2021).Genetic rodent models for neuropsychiatric dysfunctions, such as ASD, display deficits in ultrasonic communication (Molecular Autism, 2020). In the MINERVA project, we will contribute our behavioral expertise and study the interaction of maternal inflammation and genetic risk in a novel rat model of Cacna1c haploinsufficiency. We will focus on innovative pharmacological interventions with the aim to correct ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes.

You will use combined behavioral, genetic, and pharmacological approaches in rats (1) to examine how the interaction between maternal inflammation and genetic risk affects early brain development and behavioral impairment and (2) to test whether innovative pharmacological interventions can be used to correct ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes. To these aims, a broad array of experimental techniques will be used, ranging from behavioral studies with a focus on social behavior and socio-affective communication through ultrasonic vocalizations to targeted genetic modifications and innovative pharmacological interventions.

• You have (or will receive before the start date of the position) a very good academic degree (master, diploma or comparable), preferably in psychology, biology,neuroscience, or a related subject.
• You have substantial experience in conducting behavioral studies in rodents and profound knowledge in neuroscience, pharmacology, and/or genetics.
• You have laboratory animal training (FELASA or comparable) or are motivated to completeit soon after starting the position.
• You have a profound knowledge of statistics and statistical analysis software (e.g. SPSS). Knowledge of R, Python, and/or Matlab is an asset.
• You can work independently, but you can also work well in a team. You are an adaptive mind and able to work flexibly.
• You are able to successfully complete a doctoral research under supervision. You are motivated and eager to learn.
• You have excellent social and communication skills, including English reporting skills (for oral and written communication). You have a smooth writing style.
• You have skills to critically analyze theoretical texts and empirical studies.
• Note: For postdoctoral researchers, a PhD degree is required and international experience/ mobility is expected.

• Opportunities for professional development through (post)doctoral training, workshops, courses, seminars, and (inter)national conferences.
• Working in a stimulating and dynamic work and learning environment with excellent research facilities and an international team of collaborators.
• For your teaching activities, an experienced and dynamical didactical team.
• A salary according to standard Belgian regulations (depending on position).
• Start date is August 1st 2022.