项目介绍

2026年10月3日

项目介绍

(ref. BAP-2026-311) Last modified: 27/05/26

The nervous systems of animals utilize a wide variety of chemicals for neuronal communication, including small molecule neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are by far the most diverse signalling molecules, controlling a range of essential physiological processes including feeding, metabolism, sleep, stress, reproduction, development and locomotion. The Zandawala Lab is interested in understanding how neuropeptides mediate these effects in Drosophila melanogaster as well as other arthropods. We utilize multiple approaches including standard molecular and anatomical techniques, CRISPR/Cas9, Drosophila genetics, behavioral analyses, optogenetics, calcium imaging, single-cell transcriptomics and connectomics. Recent work from the lab – Savas et al. (2026) Nature communications: Feeding decision-making by a single neuron via disparate neurotransmitters: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69443-8 – Gera et al. (2025) eLife: Anti-diuretic hormone ITP signals via a guanylate cyclase receptor – Reinhard et al. (2024) Nature communications: Synaptic connectome of the Drosophila circadian clock: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54694-0 – McKim et al. (2024) eLife: Synaptic connectome of a neurosecretory network in the Drosophila brain: https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/102684

Unit website

Responsibilities – Perform independent wet bench and/or computational research in the framework of the project – Supervise PhD and master students – Present project results at local, national and international meetings – Take a lead on writing scientific papers – Assist in writing research projects and grant applications Profile – You have (or will have by the time of appointment) a PhD in Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Molecular Genetics or a related discipline. – You have a strong publication record to apply for postdoctoral fellowships such as MSCA or EMBO. – You have (basic) expertise in bioinformatics/computational biology, and you are willing to expand that skill. – Previous experience with Drosophila (or other arthropods) is required. Offer – Competitive postdoctoral salary, including healthcare and other benefits. – The position is for 1 year, and can be extended to up to 4 years following positive evaluation. The candidate is expected to apply for competitive postdoctoral fellowships during this period. – A dynamic and international research environment at one of Europe’s leading research universities.

Lab website

Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Meet Zandawala, mail: meet.zandawala@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than December 31, 2026 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job application procedure Working conditions Career opportunities

Do you have a question about the online application system? Please consult our FAQ or email us at apply@kuleuven.be

av_timer Appointment percentage: Full-time

location_city Location: Leuven

timer Apply until: 31/12/2026 23:59 CET

bookmarks Tags: Biology, Neurosciences

View function in organisation chart Working at KU Leuven Extra information Job application procedure Working conditions Career opportunities Frequently asked questions

Job alerts: notifications_active

Apply for this position Disclaimer Cookie Settings Privacy Policy Jobs Follow KU Leuven on

关于 KU Leuven（鲁汶大学）

KU Leuven（荷语区鲁汶大学，Leuven）是比利时最古老的大学之一，1395 年由鲁汶伯爵创立，现为比利时佛兰德斯地区规模最大的大学，在法学、医学、工程与计算机科学等学科具备国际声誉。学校位于比利时鲁汶（Leuven）及其周边校区（Kortrijk / Brugge / Geel / Aalst），科研经费与欧盟项目资源充足，国际学生与研究人员规模庞大。

本岗位由 KD博士平台整理发布，完整信息与申请入口请见原始链接。如需针对性评估该岗位与你的匹配度，可添加小助手微信 kdphd001 咨询。