Postdoctoral Researcher: The Role of Epigenetics and Ageing in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position on the role of epigenetics and ageing in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The project is based in the Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit within the Department of Imaging & Pathology, and is led by Prof. Dr. Annelies Quaegebeur. The work is embedded in an international research programme with strong ties to the University of Cambridge and an active role in the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) consortium.

The research focuses on the toxic interaction between protein aggregation, glia-mediated inflammation, and neurodegeneration in human brain tissue. Rather than relying only on animal or cell models, the project uses deeply phenotyped human post-mortem brain tissue to study the molecular landscape of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-plus disorders. The postdoc will help build a molecular and spatial picture of epigenetic and inflammatory signatures of glia using cutting-edge spatial proteomic, transcriptomic, histological, and digital pathology approaches.

Key responsibilities include optimising spatial omics workflows in human brain tissue, integrating proteomic, transcriptional and epigenetic data, mapping disease-associated signatures to neurodegeneration, contributing to publication and dissemination, and collaborating within a multidisciplinary ASAP team. The programme aims to identify heterochromatin erosion as a possible driver of regional pathology, clinical heterogeneity, and disease progression, with the longer-term goal of informing novel therapeutic strategies that target epigenetic ageing processes.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Neuroscience or a closely related field. Strong practical experience with histology and/or tissue-based techniques is required, as well as computational biology skills including omics analysis and use of Python and R. The post suits a candidate who is rigorous, independent, collaborative, and highly motivated to work with human brain tissue and innovative technologies. Fluency in English is required, and the lab welcomes applicants interested in supporting junior researchers and contributing to an international, interdisciplinary environment.

The position is fully funded for an initial period of 1 year with the possibility of extension to 3 years. KU Leuven offers a dynamic research environment, advanced infrastructure, access to unique human brain tissue resources, flexible working arrangements, and tailored career development with mentorship, including support for competitive personal fellowships.

The anticipated start date is 1 October 2026. Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, and contact details of two academic referees. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. The position is based in Leuven, Belgium, at KU Leuven.