Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate key steps of fear circuit development

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is 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 started her lab in 2023 within the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. The research group aims to unravel the developmental trajectories of neurons implicated in emotional responses. Specifically, the team studies how amygdala neurons acquire their fate identity and establish proper connectivity with brain targets during development. To this end, Esther and her team use advanced technologies like single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and connectomics.

The Klingler lab is seeking an enthusiastic, critical, and creative international postdoctoral fellow to investigate the developmental dynamics of BLA-PFC connectivity and associated function in anxiety and fear responses during postnatal life.

About the project:

The research project, under supervision of principal investigator Esther Klingler will focus on (1) characterizing the developmental dynamics of BLA to PFC connectivity and function; (2) identifying the molecular programs during critical developmental windows that influence BLA to PFC connectivity; (3) investigating the plasticity and function of BLA neurons projecting to the PFC.

You will use a combination of circuit tracing methods coupled with electrophysiology recordings and advanced transcriptomics and proteomics technologies.  

Selected references: Klingler et al., Nature 2021 ; Klingler et al., Curr Biol 2019

As a young lab, we are committed to ensuring that every person in the lab receives the training and mentoring they need, is successful, and feels valued. In addition, you will have the opportunity to experience and influence a fresh lab atmosphere.

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 in circuit tracing and electrophysiology. Experience in coding is a plus.
• enjoys working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural scientific environment
• enjoys collaborating and sharing expertise
• is comfortable with performing studies on laboratory mice
• is expected to work independently, drive the research project and associated collaborations
• is ready to travel to and stay in Lyon (FR) to perform recording experiments in collaboration with Dr Audrey Hay’s (co-promoter) team
• is motivated to apply for personal fellowships
• is fluent in both spoken and written English

• Financial support is available for 2 years. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension upon positive evaluation. However, successful applicants will 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, 2025.

Interested candidates should submit their candidacy through the VIB online application tool.

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 email Esther Klingler (Esther.Klingler@vib.be).