Postdoc Position in Sensory Signaling and Bladder Disorders at the Lab of Ion Channel Research
Postdoc Position in Sensory Signaling and Bladder Disorders at the Lab of Ion Channel Research
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
About the lab involved
The Laboratory of Ion Channel Research led by Prof. Thomas Voets at the VIBKU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is a dynamic hub investigating the critical roles of ion channels—particularly the TRP superfamily—in physiological and pathological processes.
Our interdisciplinary approach spans from foundational electrophysiology to translational models including animal studies and analyses of human tissue samples. This full-stack methodology enables us to directly link molecular channel function with disease phenotypes.
The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Prof. Voets and in close collaboration with Prof. Wouter Everaerts from UZ Leuvens urology department (a senior core member of the lab). The research team has a strong track record in exploring urologyrelevant sensory mechanisms with translational relevance for conditions such as chronic pain bladder dysfunction and other urinary tract disorders.
Background information
The urinary bladder plays a crucial role in storing and releasing urine controlled by complex neural pathways. As the bladder fills sensory signals arise in its wall and inform the central nervous system about bladder fullness. When these signaling systems are disrupted coordination between the bladder and urinary sphincter fails leading to symptoms such as urgency frequent urination or incontinence. Functional urinary tract disorders affect around 1 in 5 adults and can significantly reduce quality of life while remaining challenging to treat.
Our research group has pioneered innovative techniques to study voiding behavior in mice and measure calcium signals in the bladders urothelium its inner lining. We now aim to combine these methods with optogenetics to explore how sensory signaling in the urothelium affects bladder function. Additionally we investigate these signaling pathways in human bladder biopsies.
Job description
The LICR lab is looking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team investigating sensory signaling in the bladder wall and its role in lower urinary tract disorders (LUTd). The project involves advanced techniques such as ex vivo calcium imaging of mouse and human urothelium X-ray videocystometry in awake mice and optogenetic modulation of urothelial cells. The candidate will design and conduct experiments exploring mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g. TRPV4 PIEZO1/2 and their impact on bladder function under physiological and pathological conditions. Work will include data acquisition analysis and interpretation as well as collaboration with clinicians for human tissue studies.
Profile
Essential
- You have an international PhD in physiology neuroscience biomedical sciences or related fields.
- You are an expert in molecular biology and/or electrophysiology.
- You are eager to work hands-on with innovative experimental setups and animal models
- You can take initiative work well in a team and have perseverance a critical mindset and a collaborative spirit.
- You are proficient in the use of the English language for both oral and written communication.
Desirable but not required
- Experience with experimental animal work.
- Experience in the field of urological research.
We offer
- A multidisciplinary highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB/KULeuven
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure.
- Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills .
- 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).
- Tentative start date: Fall 2025
How to apply
Submit your application through the VIB application tool. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Make sure that your application includes:
- A detailed CV
- A one-page summary of past research activities (e.g. in PhD/PostDoc projects)
- A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position how your research experiences and interests are aligned with those of the lab and research topic and future goals
- The names and contact details of 3 referees.
Additional information
- Find out more about the LICR lab: the Center by visiting the website or looking around during a virtual tour
- Follow the Center on social media: LinkedIn Instagram & Bluesky
Employment Type
Full Time
