About the lab involved
The Laboratory of Ion Channel Research (https://voetslab.sites.vib.be/en ), led by Prof. Thomas Voets at the VIB–KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, is a dynamic hub investigating the critical roles of ion channels—particularly the TRP superfamily—in physiological and pathological processes.
Our interdisciplinary approach spans from foundational electrophysiology to translational models, including animal studies and analyses of human tissue samples. This full-stack methodology enables us to directly link molecular channel function with disease phenotypes.
The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Prof. Voets and in close collaboration with Prof. Wouter Everaerts from UZ Leuven’s urology department (a senior core member of the lab). The research team has a strong track record in exploring urology‑relevant sensory mechanisms, with translational relevance for conditions such as chronic pain, bladder dysfunction, and other urinary tract disorders.
Background information
The urinary bladder plays a crucial role in storing and releasing urine, controlled by complex neural pathways. As the bladder fills, sensory signals arise in its wall and inform the central nervous system about bladder fullness. When these signaling systems are disrupted, coordination between the bladder and urinary sphincter fails, leading to symptoms such as urgency, frequent urination, or incontinence. Functional urinary tract disorders affect around 1 in 5 adults and can significantly reduce quality of life while remaining challenging to treat.
Our research group has pioneered innovative techniques to study voiding behavior in mice and measure calcium signals in the bladder’s urothelium, its inner lining. We now aim to combine these methods with optogenetics to explore how sensory signaling in the urothelium affects bladder function. Additionally, we investigate these signaling pathways in human bladder biopsies.
Job description
The LICR lab is looking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team investigating sensory signaling in the bladder wall and its role in lower urinary tract disorders (LUTd). The project involves advanced techniques such as ex vivo calcium imaging of mouse and human urothelium, X-ray videocystometry in awake mice, and optogenetic modulation of urothelial cells. The candidate will design and conduct experiments exploring mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g. TRPV4, PIEZO1/2) and their impact on bladder function under physiological and pathological conditions. Work will include data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, as well as collaboration with clinicians for human tissue studies.
Profile
Essential
- You have an international PhD in physiology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or related fields.
- You are an expert in molecular biology and/or electrophysiology.
- You are eager to work hands-on with innovative experimental setups and animal models
- You can take initiative, work well in a team, and have perseverance, a critical mindset, and a collaborative spirit.
- You are proficient in the use of the English language for both oral and written communication.
Desirable but not required
- Experience with experimental animal work.
- Experience in the field of urological research.
We offer
- A multidisciplinary, highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB/KULeuven
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure.
- Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills (training.vib.be ).
- Financial support is available for at least 2 years. However, the successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, HFSP, EMBO, or National funding organizations).
- Tentative start date: Fall 2025
How to apply?
Submit your application through the VIB application tool. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Make sure that your application includes:
- A detailed CV
- A one-page summary of past research activities (e.g. in PhD/PostDoc projects)
- A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, how your research experiences and interests are aligned with those of the lab and research topic and future goals
- The names and contact details of 3 referees.
Additional information