The project is embedded in the research program of Prof Dr Annelies Quaegebeur at the Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit of the department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, with strong ties to the University of Cambridge. The lab is focused on the toxic interaction between protein aggregation, glia-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration. We are an international, interdisciplinary team integrated in extensive international networks such as Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) and Dementia Frontiers Fund.
We study disease directly in the human context: by direct access to deeply phenotyped human post-mortem brain tissues, we move beyond animal and cell-based models to interrogate the molecular landscape of neurodegeneration as it actually unfolds in human disease.
Project
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to help build a molecular, spatial picture of how glia contribute to neurodegeneration in the human brain.
Glia are emerging as a promising therapeutic avenue in neurodegenerative disease but a deeper molecular understanding is needed. The successful candidate will investigate the molecular signatures of glia in human brain tissue of Lewy Body pathologies and tauopathies. The work will focus on characterising glial states through an integrated approach of cutting-edge spatial proteomic and histological technologies.
This project builds on our ongoing work into the molecular substrates of neuroinflammation in Lewy Body pathologies and tauopathies using state-of-the-art spatial omic and digital pathology technologies in human brain tissue, and will be in collaboration with the Laboratory of Applied Mass Spectrometry – Metabolomics expertise center at KU Leuven.
The candidate will:
· Optimise and apply a novel, mass-spectrometry-based spatial proteomics workflow on human brain tissue.
· Integrate data with transcriptional profiles and quantitative pathology metrics.
· Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research, with presentations at conferences and exhibiting work at other diverse events.
· Collaborate within multidisciplinary, international teams to advance understanding of neurodegenerative processes.
· Write and contribute to publication and dissemination of research findings.
· Communicate complex and conceptual ideas to the public as well as to peers.
Profile
Essential requirements:
· A Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry, (Neuro)biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
· Critical thinking, with the ability to design experiments, analyse data rigorously, and troubleshoot proactively.
· Interested in molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
· Enthusiasm for learning innovative technologies and working with human brain tissue.
· Good written and verbal communication skills and fluency in English.
· Rigorous, organised, and collaborative, with enthusiasm for working in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
Bonus:
· Hands-on experience with histology and/or tissue-based techniques (e.g. immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, image analysis software).
· Experience with mass spectrometry and/or proteomics workflows and data.
· Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g. Python, R).
Offer
· At least 1 year of funding, with support to obtain PhD fellowship funding for the remainder of the doctoral trajectory.
· You will become an integral part of a dynamic, well-funded research group, with strong ties to the University of Cambridge, utilising advanced technologies and able to support ambitious research projects.
· You will work with cutting-edge spatial proteomics technology, expertise, and infrastructure that offers a novel window onto glia in the human brain.
· You will be trained in working with human brain tissue, a specialised, highly sought-after expertise that will set you apart on the scientific job market.
· Access to unique collections of deeply phenotyped human brain tissue of neurodegeneration.
· You will be co-supervised by experts from the Laboratory of Applied Mass Spectrometry - Metabolomics expertise center.
· You will join a collaborative team with English as the working language, and benefit from an extensive network of international scientific collaborators and opportunities for career development
· A high degree of autonomy in designing and executing experiments, with a flexible schedule supporting a healthy work-life balance.
· Enrollment in a structured university doctoral training programme offering comprehensive training to broaden your expertise and enhance your professional skill set.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof Dr Annelies Quaegebeur: [email protected]
To apply, please submit:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
The anticipated start date is 1st of October 2026
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