PhD Student position in Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

The Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell Biology (https://www.uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/ions/neural-development-lab-of-mammalian-development-and-cell-biology), headed by Dr Yves Jossin, is offering a PhD position. The research team is located at the Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) of the University of Louvain Medical School (UCLouvain, Belgium) situated on the Brussels campus.

The mammalian cerebral cortex plays key roles in cognition, sensory and motor functions, and the control of our emotions. The proper execution of these tasks depends on a long process of embryonic and postnatal development which relies on the production by neural stem cells of the appropriate number of neurons with proper identities that migrate to their specific location and make connections with each other. Defective signaling pathways during development are the cause for many human brain disorders. The goal of our studies is to better define the mechanisms involved in neural cell proliferation, migration and differentiation in order to gain a better understanding in brain formation and develop effective strategies to treat a wide range of devastating brain diseases.

We are using an interdisciplinary approach including, but not restricted to: protein interaction studies, alteration of signaling pathways in vivo, cell culture (cell lines and primary cultures), luciferase assay, histology, organotypic tissue culture assay, RT-qPCR, profiling of translating mRNAs.

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field. Knowledge in molecular and cellular biology is required. Experience in the field of neurodevelopment is an asset but is not mandatory. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively either in English or in French.

The starting date is January 1st 2026. Salary is determined according to standard Belgian regulations. The provision of funding is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to secure a 4-years FRIA fellowship from the Belgian FNRS organization. This is organized as a 10-min presentation followed by a 10-min defense of the project in front of a jury, and taking place in October-November.

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected], and must include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your research motivations and the grade list during your BSc and MSc. Applicants should also request letters of recommendation to be sent by one or two established scientists to the same email address.

Contact:
YVES JOSSIN, PhD
Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell Biology 
Institute of Neuroscience
University of Louvain Medical School 
Brussels, Belgium
e-mail : [email protected]