Senior Bioinformatics Postdoc to study Genomic Resilience Against Neurodegeneration

The Holstege lab, with locations in both in Amsterdam and Leuven, aims to unravel protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration by investigating cognitive healthy centenarians: those who live to extreme ages without dementia.

The Leuven team will contrast the brain samples collected from these centenarians against an age continuum of healthy donors and individuals affected by various forms of neurodegeneration, totaling to over 1,500 human brain samples. Using an array of -omics techniques, e.g. long read DNA sequencing, single nuclei transcriptomics & ATACseq and multi-modal proteomics, the team aims to identify genetic and genomic features that may convey protection against aging and neurodegeneration.

This senior bioinformatics postdoc will be expected to contribute actively to the scientific endeavors in the Holstege lab. The candidate will computationally address biological questions concerning resilience against neurodegeneration both within as well as across -omics modalities, leveraging both in house as well as public databases. Expertise in the data analysis of one of the modalities that we will use in this project (single cell transcriptomics, ATACseq, proteomics or long-read DNA or RNA sequencing) will therefore be desirable.

In addition, the candidate will be expected to establish reproducible and sustainable data workflows in accordance with FAIR principles and ensure infrastructure scalability and long-term usibility on the CENTURY-BRAIN Hub, which is being set up as a data-sharing platform to enable internal and external collaborative research. For this, tight collaboration with the bioinformatics team in Amsterdam will be critical, thus good communication and organization skills are warranted.

The candidate will contribute to PhD supervision, and closely collaborate with the wet lab team to optimize workflows and procedures.

We are seeking a highly motivated, efficient, energetic and optimistic senior bioinformatician at postdoc level, with a strong interest in aging and neurodegeneration, and affinity with student and PhD supervision, with a collaborative spirit, to join our team in Leuven.

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-omics integration and large-scale data analysis.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., R, Python, workflow systems).
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with collaborative, multi-institutional research environments.
• Strong communication & coordination skills and a team-player attitude
• Experience/affinity with student supervision and guidance

• Experience with neurodegeneration and aging research.
• Familiarity with secure data infrastructures and FAIR data principles.
• Ability to combine scientific depth with organizational oversight.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing or co-PI roles.

• An exceptionally strong and international scientific research environment;
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical support;
• A competitive compensation package based on expertise and experience;
• Financial support is available for at least 2 years. The successful candidate will be required to obtain additional personal or project funding.
• Starting Date: as soon as possible 

Motivated candidates with a strong interest in neurodegeneration, a team player mindset, and with a strong commitment to computational research are invited to apply. Please complete the online application procedure and include a motivation letter, CV (including a list of publications), a short synopsis of past research and the contact information of 2 to 3 referees. Applications must come in through the portal to be considered; the best-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview. For further information and questions, please send an email to Dr. Annerieke Sierksma (Voir email sur nature.com)

• Find out more about the Holstege lab: Holstege Lab - Home
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Company

VIB is a world-leading life sciences research institute based in Flanders, Belgium. Bringing together more than 2,000 scientists, researchers, and support professionals across nine research centers, we pursue one shared mission: to advance our understanding of life and transform scientific discoveries into innovations that benefit people and society.

Our researchers conduct pioneering research in areas ranging from cancer and neuroscience to immunology, plant biology, biotechnology, and microbiology. Embedded within leading Flemish universities and supported by state-of-the-art technologies, core facilities, and expert support teams, VIB offers an inspiring environment where curiosity-driven science thrives.

What makes VIB unique is our entrepreneurial spirit. We actively bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world impact through industry partnerships, technology transfer, and the creation of innovative biotech ventures. Our discoveries contribute to new diagnostics, therapies, sustainable agricultural solutions, and breakthrough technologies that improve lives around the globe.

Join us in shaping the future of life sciences.

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