post doc position on disease mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease

The laboratory for Neurobiology and gene therapy, headed by Prof. Baekelandt focuses on pre-clinical Parkinson’s Disease research and has played a pioneering role in ground-breaking research, demonstrating a prion like behaviour of the α-synuclein protein. The group makes use of viral vector technology and stereotactic neurosurgery as core technologies and is considered a world expert for the application of viral vectors in rodent brain to model and study Parkinson’s disease.
Website unit

Responsibilities

• The Baekelandt lab is partner in IMPACT-PD, a highly prestigious and international collaborative research initiative funded by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) program. This project focuses on the P-type ATPases ATP13A2 (PARK9) and ATP10B, two transporters that are genetically implicated in Parkinson’s disease. 
• We are currently looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc to join this multidisciplinary project. The candidate will execute and coordinate in vivo studies in rodents and primary cell cultures with a central role of viral vector technology.

Profile

• PhD degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineering, Biology or similar
• Strong background in Parkinson’s disease, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and lysosomal biology
• Hands on experience in in vivo experimentation with rodent models (behavioral phenotyping, stereotactic brain surgery, histology and stereology) and primary cell cultures
• Experience in viral vector design, production and validation is a strong asset
• A curious and creative mind set, eager to learn
• Excellent and reliable technical skills
• Perseverant with good problem-solving skills
• Ambitious, ability to take ownership of the project and adhere to the milestones.
• Proven proficiency in English, both written and orally
• Experienced in project management and an effective communicator
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary project with partners in academia and industry
• Leadership skills, able to inspire and motivate people

Offer

• A full-time appointment (100%) as a post doc for a period of 2 years. However, the successful candidate is encouraged to initiate and participate in the development of grant proposal to expand the research line and ensure continuation after the project end.
• Affiliation to a world-renowned laboratory in Parkinson’s disease as part of a motivated interdisciplinary team, with an extensive international network. 
• The possibility to participate and present your research at national and international conferences.
• Start date: asap

More information

ASAP project and team info
Lab website
Center for Molecular Medicine

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Veerle Baekelandt, tel.: +32 16 37 40 57, mail: veerle.baekelandt@kuleuven.be.

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