Jobs

Openings, vacancies, and job opportunities in Belgian laboratories.

  • UNI PhD Program

    CALL FOR THE INTERNATIONAL Ph.D. PROGRAM 2023

    The ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI) comprises more than 240 scientists including more than 40 Principal Investigators (PIs) grouped into 24 research groups. It offers a dynamic and diverse research environment in all fields of brain research, from molecular and cellular neurobiology, to systems, cognitive, and clinical neurosciences.

    In order to expand internationally and keep rising its level of excellence, UNI launched an International PhD Program in Neuroscience. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in a top UNI laboratory of their choice, in a stimulating and diverse environment aligned with the highest International standards. They will be supported with a PhD Fellowship covering living expenses and tuition. In addition they will enjoy the international flavour of Brussels, a lively city in the heart of Europe.

    Highly qualified candidates with a deep commitment to basic research are invited to apply. Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent).

    Closing date for 2023 applications is February 28th. Selection will be completed by end of June. Accepted candidates may start research projects as early as October 2023.

    We look forward to welcoming you at UNI and Brussels!

    How to apply? go to : https://uni.ulb.ac.be

  • Post-doc position 24 months International mobility University of Mons – UMONS University of Namur – UNamur – interdisciplinary projects on neurodegenerative diseases.

    Within the frame of a Marie Curie action of the European Union, the University of Mons –
    UMONS/the University of Namur is seeking for highly motivated post-doctoral researchers for
    interdisciplinary projects. Within this frame, the laboratories of neuroscience, neuropsychology and engineering innovation are joining their forces to develop a cross-disciplinary research project on neurodegenerative diseases. The fellowship is a prestigious EU funding scheme which supports mobility, career development and training in Europe and beyond. The fellowship offers a 24 months’ highly competitive salary and research/training funds.

    Applicants
    o any nationality, no age restriction, fluent in English
    o must hold a PhD in any fields related to the subject at the call deadline (7th March 2022)
    o cannot have resided or carried out her/his main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the three years before the call deadline

    Research project and research groups
    Cognitive Neuroscience is a very complex field of research, requiring the contribution of
    complementary disciplines, such as psychology, biomedical sciences, mathematics and engineering.
    The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Training in Psychophysiology and Electrophysiology of Cognition – CiPsE – brings together the activities of 7 research departments from 4 faculties of the UMONS. Its aim is to create an environment favorable to the development of multidisciplinary projects integrating new technologies and exploiting physiological, psychological and electrophysiological measurements of brain activity during cognitive tasks.
    UMONS has a strong expertise in the development of tools (explainable AI) and statistical methods to integrate behavioral and EEG data for the development of precision medicine in psychiatric and neurodegenerative pathologies. The CiPsE has developed a multicenter recruitment network of Alzheimer patients (EpiCura, CHwapi, ISPPC, CHU Ambroise Paré) and has EEG tools (64 to 128 channels), Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), Eye-tracking and Physiological Parameters Measurement for data collection.
    The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to combine expertise and techniques for an early diagnosis of Alzheimer-s disease and to develop tools to better predict conversion from mild cognitive disorder to Alzheimer. These tools will be of tremendous importance when disease-modifying drugs will be available on the market.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska Curie grant agreement No101034383.
    The project will be co-supervised by Laurence Ris from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,
    Laurent Lefebvre from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and Philippe Fortemps from the Faculty of Engineering.

    Websites
    Lancement de l’appel à projets du programme Connect with Wallonia (C2W) ce 1er décembre –
    Université de Mons (umons.ac.be)
    Home – Service / FMP – Neurosciences (umons.ac.be)
    Home – Service / FPSE – Psychologie cognitive et Neuropsychologie (umons.ac.be)
    Home – Service / FPMS – Management de l’Innovation Technologique (umons.ac.be)
    How to apply ?
    Expression of interest must be submitted to Laurence Ris, UMONS: laurence.ris@umons.ac.be

    Applicants are invited to either propose their own research project or to discuss with the PIs to
    develop an interdisciplinary project based on their specific expertise.

    This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
    innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska Curie grant agreement No
    101034383.

  • – PhD position – KULeuven – Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Resarch Group

    JOB description PhD

    The Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group is currently hiring a PhD candidate. The Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, consists of a multidisciplinary team of international scientists adhering to an integrated behavioral and neuroscientific research strategy, focusing on experimental studies in motor control and training-induced neuroplasticity. Use is made of non-invasive medical imaging techniques to study brain structure, function and connectivity in the context of motor behavior in healthy as well as pathological conditions. The group has a long-standing tradition and international recognition in these areas of research. Excellent state-of-the art research infrastructure is available in the BrainsHub, including movement registration and robotics technology, integrated systems for measurement of locomotion and balance, noninvasive brain stimulation technology, high-density Electro-Encephalography and neuronavigation equipment. Access to MRI scanners is available via the Translational MRI division at the University Hospital.

    Welcome – Movement Control & Neuroplasticity (kuleuven.be)

    Project

    Learning-induced neuroplasticity (position at KU Leuven; principal advisor: Jolien Gooijers)

    In this PhD project, we aim to study the capacity of the brain to change with learning. While there is a large amount of cross-sectional research supporting the idea that inter-individual differences in brain structure and function are predictive of motor behavior, in the present project, our goal is to identify and understand structural white matter and functional brain changes in response to motor learning. By applying various neuroimaging techniques (structural MRI, diffusion MRI, functional MRI, TMS) prior to, during and after motor learning (complex bimanual coordinative skills), we will obtain crucial information on the timescale of learning-induced neuroplasticity. In addition, with a particular focus on (advanced) diffusion (white matter) imaging, we will shed new light on the crucial link between white matter, brain function and motor behavior.

    Further information about this position can be obtained from Jolien Gooijers

    (Jolien.gooijers@kuleuven.be). 

    Profile

    We are looking for a dynamic and motivated candidate with a strong interest in studying the neural correlates of motor control. In addition, the candidate must:

    • have obtained a master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences, Psychology, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences or related fields.
    • have excellent oral and written communication skills, both in Dutch and English
    • have strong organizational and good project management skills
    • have experience in academic writing and have good experimental and analytical skills
    • have experience with fMRI, EEG, TMS or structural MRI (including diffusion MRI): acquisition and analyses
    • have experience with acquiring and analyzing kinematic data, nd with programming (Matlab)

    Job description

    • Performing scientific research (together with experts in the field) and under the supervision of Jolien Gooijers
    • Supervising bachelor and master internships and master theses within the research domain
    • Providing assistance with teaching assignments of ZAP members of the Department of Movement Sciences

    Offer

    We offer a full-time PhD position for 2 year, renewable, subject to positive evaluation, up to a maximum of 4 years in total. 

    Interested?

    Applications must consist of a motivation letter (including contact details of 2 referees) and a CV (including copies of diplomas and transcripts at university level). You can apply via our online application tool. The deadline for application is August 1, 2021.  Click here: online sollicitatietoepassing to apply.

    Interviews will take place in the period from August 9 – 15, 2021.   

    More information is available through prof. Dr. Jolien Gooijers, tell: +32 16 32 90 72, mail: Jolien.gooijers@kuleuven.be.

    KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.

  • – POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN MOTOR NEUROSCIENCE AND AGING

    POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN MOTOR NEUROSCIENCE AND AGING

    (ref. AAP-2021-164)

    Intro

    The Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group consists of a multidisciplinary team of international scientists with various educational backgrounds. This team adheres to an integrated behavioral and neuroscientific research strategy with a focus on experimental studies in motor control and training-induced neuroplasticity. The group has a long-standing tradition in these areas of research. Use is made of non-invasive medical imaging techniques to study brain structure, function and connectivity in the context of motor behavior in healthy as well as pathological conditions with sensorimotor and cognitive consequences. During the past years, the group has increasingly focused on studying lifespan changes in motor behavior and their underlying neural mechanisms. This is identified as a key area of research.

    Responsibilities

    The Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group of KU Leuven offers a full-time position for a postdoctoral candidate in movement control from a lifespan perspective. This position is targeted at an integration of behavioural and neuroscientific research, using medical imaging techniques.  We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with an excellent research record in studying the human brain in relation to motor performance. The candidate will take up teaching assignments within the teaching cluster neuroscience – neurophysiology – motor control and learning.

    Profile
    • You possess a doctoral degree in Movement or Revalidation Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Imaging, Neurosciences, Experimental Psychology.
    • You have expertise in the use of medical imaging and/or brain stimulation techniques for the study of brain in relation to behavior.
    • You are able to take on responsibilities and work independently.
    • You are interested in teaching courses in neuroscience and motor control/learning and in supervising master theses in this domain.
    • You speak English fluently and have excellent writing skills.
    • You look forward to collaboration within an international team of scientists with various nationalities.
    Offer

    We offer the candidate a full-time employment (12 months, starting June-July 2021) in an intellectually challenging environment. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. It is highly focused on inter- and multidisciplinary research endeavours. It provides its students with an academic education that is based on high-quality scientific research.

    Interested?

    For more information please contact Prof. dr. Stephan Swinnen, tel.: +32 16 32 90 71, mail: stephan.swinnen@kuleuven.be.

    You can apply for this job no later than May 25, 2021 via the online application tool

    KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.

    Please apply at the official website:  https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60019593
    Please note that there may be interruptions in the online application website between May 12-16.