Bart Eggen

This postdoctoral project at the University Medical Centre Groningen focuses on multiple sclerosis lesion evolution, with a particular emphasis on the molecular differences between lesion rims and cores. The work addresses how ongoing demyelination and failed or successful remyelination shape disease progression in the central nervous system. You will contribute to a multi-omics research programme that combines global proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling with region-specific long-read RNA sequencing. The aim is to decode region-distinct cellular signaling and regulatory networks, and to connect RNA and protein isoforms with the biological processes involved in lesion expansion and lesion transition. The project is embedded in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at UMCG and in the MS Center Noord Nederland, a collaborative environment linking biomedical research and patient care across neurology and biomedical science groups in Groningen and the Northern Netherlands. The advertised work sits at the interface of neurobiology, disease mechanisms, and translational discovery, with the goal of improving understanding of MS and identifying novel therapeutic targets. The position is supervised by Dr. Wia Baron, Dr. Susanne Kooistra, and Prof. dr. Bart Eggen.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, is seeking a junior postdoctoral researcher for a project focused on the molecular basis of local neurogenesis in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The research aims to identify signals that trigger neurogenesis within MS lesions, leveraging single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial imaging to profile the transition states of OPC-to-neuron transformation and decipher receptor-ligand interactions. The project also involves replicating neurogenic processes using MS-iPSC-derived OPCs and investigating the relationship between lesions and clinical disease parameters. The position is embedded in the MS Center Noord Nederland and funded by Stichting MS Research. The research environment is collaborative and interdisciplinary, with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic targets. The successful candidate will join a team led by Professor Bart Eggen and Dr. Wia Baron, both based at the University Medical Center Groningen. Applicants must hold a PhD in molecular cell biology or a related field and demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and a strong scientific drive. Experience with bioinformatics and cell culture, especially human iPSCs, is advantageous. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills in English, a flexible and proactive attitude, and the ability to work effectively in a team. The position offers a full-time contract (36 hours per week) for 12 months, with the possibility of an 18-month extension. The gross monthly salary can reach up to €5,669, with additional benefits such as an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). The application deadline is February 22, 2026. Interested candidates should submit their application, including a resume and motivation letter, via the digital application form provided in the vacancy link.