Within our research group we study how the immune system can be harnessed to promote repair in the central nervous system (CNS). In multiple sclerosis (MS) there is an urgent need for new treatment strategies that are effective in the progressive stage of the disease when repair of damaged myelin sheaths fails. Nutritional factors have the capacity to modulate the function of immune cells and can stimulate repair processes. In this project we aim to develop a nutritional program for MS-patients that supports CNS repair. You will participate in designing and implementing this program and study how this affects the microbiome, immune cell function and neurodegeneration. In addition, you will study the immunomodulatory and reparative properties of natural compounds in preclinical models. Techniques used include: molecular techniques, qPCR, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, lipidomics and RNA sequencing.
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who complements the expertise within our research group. Besides doing high quality research you will supervise PhD students and master students, and will participate in writing grants and teaching within our faculty.

You will perform research at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Science at Hasselt University.
The faculty of medicine and life sciences contributes to sustainable solutions for health-related issues as part of the civic Hasselt University. The faculty focusses on excellence in education and research and connects with society through a strong collaboration with our partners. Starting from continuous attention for quality and innovation, the faculty is a breeding ground and magnet for talent with an open view on society, from the region to the world.

As a postdoctoral researcher nutritional (neuro)immunology, you will be appointed in the research group of Prof. Jerome Hendriks, at the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University in Belgium. BIOMED is an interactive and well equipped research institute, focused on basic and preclinical research in three main disease areas: immunology, neuroscience and cardiology. BIOMED aims to translate new scientific discoveries into applications that contribute to a healthy society, in line with the civic ambition of Hasselt University. Within this stimulating environment, the Neuro-immunometabolism lab is looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher (80-100%) to strengthen our team.

• You have a PhD in (bio)medical sciences (or equivalent). Last year PhD students can also apply.
• You have a solid junior track record with high impact publications relevant for the research topic.
• Expertise in neuroscience, immunology, nutritional or nutritional research is an asset.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• You have good problem-solving capacities.
• You show initiative.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Critical mindset, fast learner & team player.
• You are motivated to apply for personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, EMBO, or national funding organizations).

You will be appointed and paid as researcher-expert.
We offer a 2-year contract, with the possibility of extension after successfully applying for postdoctoral grants.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Apply now
Apply up to 13.07.2022