The VIB Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp is looking for candidates interested in a postdoc position. We are willing to host the postdoc for 3 years in a dynamic, top-notch scientific surrounding with state-of-the art infrastructure.

Context:
VIB is an autonomous research institute conducting pioneering research in the life sciences. Clustered around a broad range of disciplines (molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, structural biology, genetics, proteomics, ...), the research at VIB intends to gather innovative basic knowledge on normal, abnormal, or pathological processes occurring in an organism (humans, plants, micro-organisms) using gene technological research. Through a close partnership with the 4 Flemish Universities of Ghent, Leuven, Antwerp and Brussels, VIB unites the great expertise and broad experience of about 1200 researchers and technicians. Together with these universities and a strong backbone funding, VIB continuously invests to stimulate top research, to pursue an active technology transfer policy towards its research findings and to communicate the gathered scientific information to the broad public. (www.vib.be/VIB/EN/).

The VIB Department of Molecular Genetics is one of 8 research departments of VIB. With near 100 researchers working in 4 research groups, the department aims to understand the complex nature of neurological and psychiatric human diseases (www.molgen.ua.ac.be). The department disposes over the expertise of centralized service facilities like the Genetic Service Facility and the Diagnostic Service Facility, as well as central units with expert knowledge in functional genomics, technology development and bio-informatics.

Job description:
We seek an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral fellow to study molecular mechanisms underlying inherited peripheral neuropathies, associated with defects in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Areas of interest include mechanisms of axonal degeneration (“dying-back”), cytoskeletal dynamics, protein and RNA trafficking, axonal transport. For our work, please see:
www.molgen.ua.ac.be/Public/Research/ResearchGroups/NG/Albena%20Jordanova%20Biosketch.pdf

Fellows will assist in design, carry out experiments, evaluate data, and be able to write manuscripts. Fellows will interact with PI, other investigators and students. We work actively to provide excellent individual career development and possibilities to participate in integrated collaboration studies internationally.

Candidate profile:
The candidate should be holder of a PhD in biosciences (biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, cell biology, molecular biology) or biomedical sciences (genetics). The applicant is expected to have expertise in Drosophila genetics and neurobiology and/or Drosophila disease models. Necessary skills: laboratory experience in Drosophila manipulation and characterization, mobility, team player with a sense of initiative and responsibility, excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Ability to obtain independent funding and at least two accepted first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal are required.

Application:
If you are interested in this position, mail a letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including a list of publications) and the names of 2-3 reference persons to jobs@molgen.vib-ua.be.