PhD Position in Neurology

Regime: Full-time
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: As soon as possible

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic European university, offering innovative education to over 20,000 students, conducting pioneering scientific research, and contributing to society. With over 6,000 employees from 100 countries, the university fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking academic environment.

About the Center for Molecular Neurology

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, is a leading research hub in neurogenetics. We are seeking a joint PhD student to work in the laboratories of Prof. Rosa Rademakers and Prof. Kristel Sleegers.

• Rademakers Lab: Focuses on risk genes and molecular mechanisms in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

• Sleegers Lab: Specializes in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research using advanced sequencing and biostatistical approaches.

Project Overview

Neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and FTD are highly heterogeneous, complicating molecular diagnosis and treatment development. This PhD project aims to develop innovative genetic risk scores to predict underlying neuropathological subtypes in patient cohorts.

Key activities include:

• Leveraging genetic data from large FTD and AD patient-control cohorts.

• Utilizing single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets for expression and splicing transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS).

• Identifying cell type-specific dysregulated pathways and informing variant selection for subtype-specific genetic scores.

This is a joint PhD program, with supervision and collaborative visits between Antwerp (BE) and Alicante (ES).

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, (bio)statistics, bioengineering, computer science, or related fields.

• Strong interest in genetics, biostatistics, and neurodegenerative disease research.

• Excellent communication skills in English.

• Critical thinking, self-motivation, flexibility, and teamwork orientation.

Desirable:

• Programming experience in Python or R, Linux familiarity.

• Experience with large-scale genomic/transcriptomic data analysis.

• Familiarity with workflow management systems like Snakemake or Nextflow.

• Interest in applying machine learning methods.

What We Offer

• Doctoral scholarship initially for 1 year, renewable up to 3 additional years after positive evaluation.

• Support for applying to independent fellowships.

• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and training programs through VIB and University of Antwerp.

• A stimulating international research environment with extensive networking opportunities.

• Financial benefits including ecocheques, internet allowance, and commuting support.

For more about working at the University of Antwerp: link.

Application Process

Apply via the University of Antwerp online job application platform. Include:

• Detailed CV listing previous experience.

• Motivation letter explaining your interest in this PhD.

• Names and contact details of 3 references.

Contact for queries:

• Julia Faurallorens: julia.faurallorens@uantwerpen.be

• Fahri Kucukali: fahri.kucukali@uantwerpen.be

Research Lab Links:

• Rademakers Lab

• Sleegers Lab

Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Antwerp values diversity and an inclusive environment. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com