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Annelies Quaegebeur

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PhD - Molecular Neurodegeneration in Human Brain Tissue KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 17, 2026

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Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Biology
Histology
Mass Spectrometry
Neuropsychology
Neuroinflammation
Medical Science
Neurodegenerative Disease
Digital Pathology
Glia
Transcriptomic

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About this position

KU Leuven is offering a PhD position in Molecular Neurodegeneration in human brain tissue, embedded in the research program of Prof Dr Annelies Quaegebeur within the Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit of the Department of Imaging & Pathology. The project has strong links to the University of Cambridge and is carried out in an international, interdisciplinary environment connected to networks such as Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) and the Dementia Frontiers Fund.

The research focuses on the toxic interaction between protein aggregation, glia-mediated inflammation, and neurodegeneration, using directly accessible, deeply phenotyped human post-mortem brain tissue. The successful PhD candidate will help build a molecular and spatial understanding of how glia contribute to neurodegenerative disease in the human brain, with particular attention to Lewy body pathologies and tauopathies. The work will use cutting-edge spatial proteomic, histological, and digital pathology approaches, and will include collaboration with the Laboratory of Applied Mass Spectrometry – Metabolomics expertise center at KU Leuven.

The main tasks include optimising and applying a novel mass-spectrometry-based spatial proteomics workflow on human brain tissue, integrating data with transcriptional profiles and quantitative pathology metrics, interpreting and presenting research outcomes, contributing to publications, and communicating complex scientific ideas to both expert and public audiences.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry, (Neuro)biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a closely related field. The post asks for strong critical thinking, rigorous data analysis, experimental design skills, and good English communication. Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, image analysis, mass spectrometry, proteomics, Python, or R is advantageous.

The offer includes at least one year of funding, with support to secure PhD fellowship funding for the remainder of the doctorate, access to unique human brain tissue resources, training in specialised human tissue methods, a structured doctoral training programme, and a collaborative working culture with English as the working language. The anticipated start date is 1 October 2026. Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and the contact details of two academic referees.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

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