ERC-funded postdoctoral position focusing on nanobody development for therapeutic brain delivery

Join the Barriers in Inflammation lab led by Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research () for exciting postdoctoral opportunities! Our team of approximately 20 researchers is dedicated to unravelling the underlying causes of CNS disorders, identifying therapeutic targets and assessing their potential for intervention.

We're offering a postdoctoral position funded by an ERC project aimed at revolutionizing therapeutic delivery into the brain via the blood-CSF barrier. Our pioneering research harnesses the power of single-domain antibodies, also known as nanobodies or VHHs, as a Trojan horse for targeted brain delivery. Our goal is to explore the vast potential of VHHs in effectively transporting diverse cargos -ranging from proteins to nucleic acids and nanoparticles- across the blood-CSF barrier, offering promising solutions for a myriad of neurological disorders. We previously identified a promising candidate that requires further optimization and validation and in addition, we aim to discover novel VHHs capable of crossing the blood-CSF barrier and delivering therapeutic cargoes to the brain.

You will become an integral member of a subteam, working closely with an experienced lab technician, two dedicated PhD students, and two postdoctoral researchers on a project focused on in vitro screening methods, including the use of organoids. We are looking for an individual with expertise in the following specific profiles to enhance and complement the team:

Profile

Ph.D. in Molecular biology or related fields.

Demonstrated expertise in:

• In vitro and/or in vivo phage display;
• Cloning, engineering, expression, purification and characterization of VHHs.

We invite applications from dynamic individuals with a strong drive for innovation and motivation. Ideal candidates will possess critical thinking abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and a collaborative mindset. Additionally, they should demonstrate the capacity to independently plan and execute research with precision. A keen interest in nanobodies, drug delivery, and/or brain barriers is essential, accompanied by hands-on experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques. If you are passionate about pioneering research related to brain drug delivery, we encourage you to submit your application.

Join us to undertake a highly innovative project that combines cutting-edge approaches including state-of-the-art imaging techniques, pluripotent stem cell models, in vivo mouse models of neurological disorders, drug (brain) delivery and nanobody development.

We offer

• A state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
• A versatile and challenging academic position with very diverse contacts in a world-class research environment operating at an international level, and various opportunities to broaden your expertise.
• Opportunities to train in many cutting edge technologies.
• Training courses in academic, technical, and career skills.
• A competitive salary and a range of benefits including a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.
• An initial 1-year contract, which can be extended up to 5 years.
• Starting Date: as soon as possible.