Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
Are you an expert in microscopy, image processing and/or organoids that can help us tackle this scientific challenge in the field of neuro-organoid imaging? We offer you full-time contract of 1 year to jointly prepare a competitive external funding application for a Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral scholarship holder focused on AI-informed, multiplexed imaging of immune-competent organoids in the context of brain disease.
Within the University of Antwerp, several research groups have joined forces in the field of neuro-organoids and jointly launch this postdoc challenge:
Several of these groups are part of the µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, an interdisciplinary consortium that strives to conduct top-level translational neuroscience research on a cell-to-organism wide scale. Via the IMARK Valorisation consortium, aimed at expediting biomarker discovery and development by resolving molecular and structural patterns in space and time, we are also actively pursuing public-private collaborations and valorisation opportunities.
Our scientific challenge
Identification of disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets relies on the use of cell culture and animal models. While the former are overly simplified, the latter are not human and ethically
contested. With the advent of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology, it has now become possible to generate organoids that more faithfully capture part of the heterogeneity and three-dimensional context of human tissue. Several research labs at the University of Antwerp recognize their potential and have therefore implemented a variety of human patient-derived organoid cultures, in particular for neuroscientific research lines (Alzheimer’s disease, Epilepsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Glioblastoma). However, the inability to characterize these specimens at the cellular level with high-throughput hamper their integration in a routine research setting. Therefore, we have the ambition to develop an end-to-end solution that enables unbiased cellular phenotyping of intact immune-competent neuro-organoids by using a combination of advanced microscopy and deep learning. Having in hand the infrastructure and expertise for three-dimensional visualization of whole organoids, the key challenges are a) to improve the image reconstruction so as to expedite the image formation process, b) to unequivocally identify individual cell types and states in toto, and c) to optimally exploit the spatiotemporal image content to map cell interactions and predict neuro-organoid condition. This requires a unique blend of expertise in cell biology, microscopy and image informatics.
The University of Antwerp 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.
Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven candidate that is passionate about quantitative microscopy and has experience in either image processing (including deep learning), advanced microscopy and/or organoid culture. You are eager to help us tackle one or more of these scientific challenges and contribute to the end goal of robust organoid phenotyping. You have an excellent track record in one (or multiple) of these fields and bring the necessary expertise that, combined with the support from our research groups, can push this field forward.
In alignment with the eligibility criteria for MSCA and FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship applications:
We welcome applications from both national and international candidates.
What we offer
Want to apply?
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity 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.
The University of Antwerp is characterised by its high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach.
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