The Peripheral Neuropathy and Translational Neurosciences groups of the µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence (University of Antwerp, Belgium) welcome expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers with a strong scientific track record to jointly prepare a high-quality proposal for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2022 in the field of neuromuscular disease and peripheral nerve degeneration.

Antwerp is a dynamic and prosperous city in the north of Belgium and is well connected by train to major European cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Paris. The University of Antwerpis a young and forward-thinking university with high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach. For several years now the University ranks top-20 in the “Top 50 Universities Under 50 years”. The University of Antwerp has an excellent international reputation and offers a well-suited setting for international scholars. The University holds the “HR Excellence in Research” logo and strives to offer staff the best opportunities for personal development. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Peripheral Neuropathy group of Prof. Vincent Timmerman focusses on unravelling the disease mechanisms of hereditary neuropathies via molecular and cellular biology tools, making use of gene silencing and editing in 2D & 3D cell models. The Translational Neurosciences group of Prof. Jonathan Baets is focussing on the clinical and molecular genetics of neuropathies and neuromuscular diseases. Both teams are world-leading experts in the genetics and biology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies, hereditary ataxia’s, spastic paraplegia’s and related nerve and muscle diseases. Our combined and multidisciplinary research interest is to gain novel insights in the disease complexity and contribute to therapy development.

Both 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. Our consortium is a unique combination of experts in fundamental, preclinical and clinical research on neurological diseases and quantitative multimodal ((pre)clinical) imaging and analysis. The µNEURO professors have a strong experience in research projects with both academic and private partners, including European-funded projects.

The Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) are postdoctoral fellowships for experienced researchers looking to give their career a boost by working abroad. The grant provides a living allowance to cover your salary costs and has a duration of 12-24 months (European Fellowships) or 24-36 months (Global Fellowships). In addition to the living allowance, you will receive a mobility allowance and - if applicable - a family allowance. The deadline for submission of a full research proposal, written jointly with your future supervisor, is 14 September 2022.

Your Profile

We are looking for a candidate with expertise in molecular and cellular neuroscience, more specifically to perform research with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells that we differentiate towards neuronal and muscle cells. The candidate will apply mutagenesis or gene editing to study molecular mechanisms of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disease. This is complemented with expertise in bio-informatics, genetics, and disease modelling in 2D & 3D cell systems.

Only candidates that meet the eligibility and evaluation criteria for an MSCA PF can apply:

• You obtained a PhD degree in molecular and cellular neuroscience, or a related discipline (at the latest by the time of the call deadline).
• You have no more than 8 years of research experience after obtaining your PhD (excluding experience outside research and career breaks).
• You did not reside or work in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the call deadline.
• You have an excellent track record with several high-quality and impactful publications.

In addition, you have the following profile:

• Your research qualities are in line with the university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.

What we offer

• A stimulating, interdisciplinary environment for high-level neuroscience research, with state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure and close links to the University Hospital of Antwerp.
• Support and guidance for the preparation of your MSCA PF proposal from your future supervisor and the µNEURO research manager.
• An informative MSCA-PF starter package, a dedicated training session “Preparing for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship” (June 2022), advise on institutional aspects and horizontal issues (open science, gender, ethics and research data management) and administrative support from the Grants office of the University of Antwerp.
• Advise and comprehensive support from the International Staff Office of the University of Antwerp for incoming international researchers.

How to apply?

You can submit your application via e-mail to Liesbeth.vanherp@uantwerpen.be with subject line “µNEURO MSCA PF – PN ”. Your application must include of a pdf file with the following documents:

• A 1-page motivation letter
• Your academic CV, including a complete list of your publications

The deadline for expressions of interest is the 31st of May 2022(extended until 1st of July 2022).

Your proposal will be evaluated based on your track record, the complementarity and relevance of your research expertise, and the MSCA PF evaluation criteria. Selected applicants will be contacted for an exploratory interview and if successful, supported during the preparation of a full MSCA PF proposal.

For more information, you can contact Liesbeth Vanherp (µNEURO Research Manager, Liesbeth.vanherp@uantwerpen.be).

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.