Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuromodulation of Feeding

Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuromodulation of Feeding

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, behavioural analyses, optogenetics, calcium imaging, single-cell transcriptomics and connectomics.

Recent Work

• 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)

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

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Meet Zandawala, mail: meet.zandawala@kuleuven.be.

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