About us The
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscienceis part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and is embedded within the University of Leuven, which ranks among the world’s top 50 universities. At our Center, researchers study the cellular mechanisms of health and disease in the central nervous system.
Dr. Esther Klingler established her laboratory in 2023 at the VIB–KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience. Her group investigates how amygdala neurons differentiate, assemble into functional circuits, and support behavior in both normal and disease conditions.
The lab focuses on how amygdala neurons acquire their fate and establish precise connectivity with target brain regions during development, and how these processes are altered by stress and pathology. To address these questions, the team combines state-of-the-art approaches including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, circuit tracing and connectomics, and automated behavioral analysis.
In close collaboration with the Verstreken and de Wit laboratories, the group is now launching a new project to uncover novel mechanisms of synaptic Tau pathology by dissecting circuit-specific synaptic dysfunction and developing innovative preclinical therapeutic strategies.
About the role The Klingler lab is seeking an enthusiastic, critical, and creative postdoctoral researcher to study amygdala–hippocampal circuit dysfunction and associated behavioral changes in dementia.
The project
Under the supervision of Dr. Esther Klingler, and in close collaboration with the Verstreken and de Wit labs, the project will:
map amygdala–hippocampal connectivity defects in mouse models of tauopathy; link circuit alterations to specific behavioral phenotypes; test candidate strategies to rescue circuit and behavioral deficits. The postdoc will combine circuit tracing approaches with automated longitudinal behavioral analysis. Close interactions with electrophysiology and neurophysiology units at the center will enable functional characterization of circuit dysfunction. Collaboration with and supervision of bioinformatics Master’s and PhD students will support the integration of circuit and behavioral data with transcriptomic and proteomic datasets generated within the project.
We are committed to ensure that every person in the lab receives the training and mentoring they need, is successful, and feels valued. In addition, you will get the opportunity to experience and influence a fresh lab atmosphere.
Your profile The successful candidate:
holds a PhD in neuroscience. has a at least one first-author research publication(s) in a peer-reviewed international journal has prior laboratory experience on circuit tracing and behavior. Experience in coding and knowledge of neurodegeneration are a plus.enjoys working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural scientific environmentenjoys collaborating and sharing expertiseis expected to work independently, drive the research project and associated collaborationsis comfortable with performing studies on laboratory miceis motivated to apply for personal fellowshipsis fluent in both spoken and written English Our offer Financial support is available for 3 years. The initial appointment is for one year and with possibility for extension upon positive evaluation. The successful applicant will also be strongly encouraged to apply for a personal fellowship (Marie Curie, HFSP, EMBO, national funding agencies).An interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies. Access to extensive scientific and transferable skills training programs available through VIB and KU Leuven.The position is available from September 1st, 2026. How to apply Interested candidates should submit their candidacy through the VIB online application tool (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/133660 ).
A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:
motivation letter describing your previous research experience your CV contact information of at least 2 references For further information and questions, please send an email to Esther Klingler (Esther.Klingler@vib.be).
Find out more about the Klingler lab: https://klinglerlab.sites.vib.be Find out more about the Verstreken lab: https://verstrekenlab.sites.vib.be Find out more about the de Wit lab: https://dewitlab.sites.vib.be Find out more: Website | Video | Virtual Tour Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Bluesky