Postdoc position: single-cell regulatory genomics of human brain evolution

Postdoctoral position to study species-specific mechanisms of gene regulation in human neurons.

The Vanderhaeghen Lab (https://pvdhlab.org ) and the Aerts Lab (www.aertslab.org ) at VIB KULeuven are seeking creative postdoctoral scientists to study the human-specific mechanisms of gene regulation and function of neurons of the cerebral cortex.

Join us to undertake a highly timely interdisciplinary project focusing on a long-standing and fascinating question : « what makes our brain cells human ? » (see our recent work : Hecker et al. Science 2025; Libé-Philippot et al. Cell 2023; Vanderhaeghen and Polleux, Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2023).

You will explore single-cell epigenomics and transcriptomics data, focused on the neurons of the cerebral cortex from human and an array of non-human species. Using computational and machine learning approaches, you will decipher genomic regulatory programs and infer the evolutionary patterns of gene regulatory networks in cortical neurons, study their developmental origin, and predict their impact on species-specific properties of human neurons. This highly multidisciplinary project will be undertaken in active collaboration with our two labs, at a unique interface of top-notch computational biology and neurosciences.

See more in selected references from our labs:

Hecker et al. (2025) Science 387, eadp3957

Taskiran et al. (2024) Nature 626, 212–220

Libé-Philippot et al. (2023) Cell 186, 5766-5783

Iwata et al. (2023) Science 379, eabn4705

Vanderhaeghen P, Polleux F. (2023) Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 24, 213-232

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in neurobiology and/or evolutionary biology, with a strong background in bioinformatics.

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Bio-engineering, or Life Sciences
• Programming skills in Python
• Experience with Machine learning (PyTorch/Keras).
• A computational mindset and a strong interest in computational biology 

• A versatile and challenging job with very diverse contacts in a world-class research environment operating at an international level and various opportunities to broaden your expertise
• A competitive compensation package based on expertise and experience
• 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).
• Starting Date: as soon as possible 

Please complete the online application procedure and include a detailed CV, including a list of publications, a motivation letter, and the contact information of three referees.

For more information, please contact Pierre Vanderhaeghen (pierre.vanderhaeghen@kuleuven.be ) or Stein Aerts (stein.aerts@kuleuven.be )