"Senior researcher in whole-brain light-sheet microscopy"

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Vision Lab of the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Sciences and the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology from the Department of Biomedical Sciences are looking for a full-time (100%) senior researcher in the field of whole-brain light-sheet microscopy.

Position

You will work actively on the ERC Consolidator project “A data-driven approach to microstructure imaging” (ADAMI), funded by the European Union. ADAMI is a highly interdisciplinary project that combines insights from physics/engineering (MRI and light-sheet microscopy image interpretation), biological and medical sciences (neuroscience and brain microstructure), and computer science (machine learning and artificial intelligence) to achieve a breakthrough in predictive microstructure imaging with MRI.

Within the ADAMI project, you will develop and optimize an integrated image analysis pipeline to quantify the neural and glial cell composition of brain regions using in toto light-sheet microscopy of the brains of healthy and neurodegenerative mice.

You will be embedded in the Vision Lab (image processing and analysis) of the Physics Department and the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (light-sheet microscopy) of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, which are within walking distance. As a postdoctoral/senior researcher, you will also help coordinate the project and assist in the supervision of PhD students.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline.
• You hold a FELASA certificate or are willing to obtain one, and you are willing to work with laboratory mice.
• You have a track record in the acquisition (including preparation, clearing, and immunostaining), curation, and/or processing of light-sheet microscopy data, evidenced by high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• You can write your own image processing and analysis routines in Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Experience with state-of-the-art artifact correction, registration, segmentation, and (shape) analysis of microscopy images—as well as integrating these steps into efficient pipelines (e.g., using bash and/or Python)—is considered a strong asset.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time contract as a senior researcher for a period of 1 year, renewable to up to 3 years after a positive evaluation.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, an internet-connectivity allowance, group insurance, income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is March 2026, but this is flexible.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until a candidate has been selected. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • three references
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr. Ben Jeurissen, PI of the project (ben.jeurissen@uantwerpen.be), and Prof. Dr. Winnok De Vos, PI of Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (winnok.devos@uantwerpen.be)