Postdoctoral researcher in Virology, with a focus on respiratory viruses, neuro-immune interactions and neurodegeneration

Job title:

Postdoctoral researcher in Virology, with a focus on respiratory viruses, neuro-immune interactions and neurodegeneration

Company

Universiteit Antwerpen

Job description

Postdoctoral researcher in Virology, with a focus on respiratory viruses, neuro-immune interactions and neurodegenerationVacatures voor Academisch PersoneelNiet gevonden wat je zocht? Sla je zoekopdracht dan op en maak een job alert aan op de om automatisch op de hoogte te blijven van interessante toekomstige vacatures. Meer informatie kan je vinden.Departement: Faculteit Farmaceutische, Biomedische en Diergeneeskundige Wetenschappen
Regime VoltijdsLet’s shape the future – University of AntwerpThe is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow’s world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Biomedical Sciences for a postdoctoral researcher in Virology, with a focus on respiratory viruses, neuro-immune interactions and neurodegeneration.Background research groups: You will be working in the research group and the on the molecular mechanisms and pathways through which neuronal structures are impacted by respiratory viruses and/or respiratory viral infections.Research topic:Human respiratory viral infections lead to a spectrum of respiratory symptoms and variable disease severity. Besides the acute consequences in the respiratory tract, these viral infections can be associated with extra-pulmonary symptoms (e.g., encephalitis), and in recent years respiratory infections have also been linked with neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Except for familial cases, the aetiopathogenic origins of these neurodegenerative diseases are not always very clear; however, two common factors seem to be neuroinflammation and increasingly also epidemiological links to viral infections. Furthermore, while neuroinflammation was originally thought to be a consequence of neurodegeneration, recent research suggests that also neuroinflammation can drive the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Viral infections such as HSV-1 and VZV seem to be strongly associated with some forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, respiratory viruses, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza virus, may not always be confined to the respiratory system but may have potential neurotropic effects, linking viral infections to neurological sequelae. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that Influenza virus induces neuroinflammation within the peripheral nervous system (vagal sensory ganglia), characterized by an increase in immune cells and transcriptional changes related to inflammatory responses within neuronal cells. The role of this neuroinflammation remains unknown but is indicative of a signalling pathway from the respiratory system to the central nervous system. Despite emerging interest, the molecular mechanisms and pathways through which neuronal structures are impacted by respiratory viruses and/or respiratory viral infection remain poorly understood. Development and validation of relevant human models, such as iPSC derived neuronal models and respiratory air liquid interface (ALI) are much needed to investigate this complex interaction between pathogen and the respiratory and neuronal compartment.Next to experimental research, you will apply for a postdoctoral fellowship via (‘junior postdoctoral fellowship’) and/or in the 2025 call (submission in September 2025 for MSCA and December 2025 for FWO fellowship).Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) from a non-Belgian institution (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work) in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, (Bio-)Engineering Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or similar.
• Expertise with virology is needed, and experience with neuronal infections and/or ALI cultures is an asset.
• You did not reside, study or work in Belgium for more than 24 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (eligibility rule for postdoc with a subsidy).
• You comply with the eligibility conditions for a

and/or for a (p.7) * Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the
. * You will co-supervise PhD students and master students, and having experience with supervision is preferred.

• You are quality-oriented, team-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have preferably experience in multi-stakeholder research, and you know how to balance independent research with timely communication to the different partners in a project.
• You have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).

What we offer

• An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year. During this year, you will be actively assisted in applying for personal fellowships (FWO and/or MSCA postdoctoral fellowship) with a topic in the above-mentioned theme and with the laboratory of Medical Biochemistry as hosting laboratory. You will have access to grant writing workshops and our excellent expertise in (inter)national fellowship applications.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for protein (bio)chemistry is available in-house or at neighboring institutes.
• Dedicated training programs available at UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
• The date of appointment: July 1, 2025, or soon after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the

for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP). * You will receive eco-cheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.

• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Antwerp, Wilrijk) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp

.Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including March 17, 2025(by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV, 2) a letter of motivation with contact details of two referees, 3) a two-page research project proposal fitting with the description of the research topic.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. These candidates will be invited for an online interview that will take place on April 1st. Candidates selected for the interview will be provided with two publications on the research topic to review and discuss during the selection interview. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.

If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the or send an email to . For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Peter Delputte (peter.delputte@uantwerpen.be).The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

• © UAntwerpen

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Expected salary

Location

Antwerpen

Job date

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:57:07 GMT

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