Postdoc position single-cell regulatory genomics of human brain evolution
Postdoc position single-cell regulatory genomics of human brain evolution
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Postdoctoral position to study species-specific mechanisms of gene regulation in human neurons.
The Vanderhaeghen Lab and the Aerts Lab at VIB KULeuven are seeking creative postdoctoral scientists to study the human-specific mechanisms of gene regulation and function of neurons of the cerebral cortex.
Join us to undertake a highly timely interdisciplinary project focusing on a long-standing and fascinating question : what makes our brain cells human (see our recent work : Hecker et al. Science 2025; Lib-Philippot et al. Cell 2023; Vanderhaeghen and Polleux Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2023.
You will explore single-cell epigenomics and transcriptomics data focused on the neurons of the cerebral cortex from human and an array of non-human species. Using computational and machine learning approaches you will decipher genomic regulatory programs and infer the evolutionary patterns of gene regulatory networks in cortical neurons study their developmental origin and predict their impact on species-specific properties of human neurons. This highly multidisciplinary project will be undertaken in active collaboration with our two labs at a unique interface of top-notch computational biology and neurosciences.
See more in selected references from our labs:
Hecker et al. 2025 Science 387 eadp3957
Taskiran et al. 2024 Nature
Lib-Philippot et al. 2023 Cell-5783
Iwata et al. 2023 Science 379 eabn4705
Vanderhaeghen P Polleux F. 2023 Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 24 213-232
Profile
We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in neurobiology and/or evolutionary biology with a strong background in bioinformatics.
- PhD in Bioinformatics Engineering Computer Science Physics Bio-engineering or Life Sciences
- Programming skills in Python
- Experience with Machine learning (PyTorch/Keras).
- A computational mindset and a strong interest in computational biology
We offer
- A versatile and challenging job with very diverse contacts in a world-class research environment operating at an international level and various opportunities to broaden your expertise
- A competitive compensation package based on expertise and experience
- Financial support is available for at least 2 years. However the successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie HFSP EMBO or National funding organizations).
- Starting Date: as soon as possible
How to apply
Please complete the online application procedure and include a detailed CV including a list of publications a motivation letter and the contact information of three referees.
For more information please contact Pierre Vanderhaeghen or Stein Aerts
- Find out more about the Vanderhaeghen and Aerts lab:
- Connect through our LinkedIn pages and and
- Discover the Centers by visiting our websites and or looking around in our virtual tour
- Follow the Center on social media: and
Employment Type
Full Time
