Post-doc | α-synuclein modulators for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

The ADVANTAGE Lab (Laboratory for Advanced Disease Models, Targeted Drug Development, and Gene Therapy) at KU Leuven is seeking a highly motivated post doctoral researcher to join an innovative project investigating a novel therapeutic for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Our lab is an interdisciplinary and translational research group focused on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, advanced disease models, and therapeutic discovery. The lab is embedded in a vibrant scientific environment with access to cutting-edge infrastructure.
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Responsibilities

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, with projections estimating that over 10 million people could be affected within the next decade. Despite symptomatic treatments, no disease-modifying therapies are currently available. A promising avenue for disease modification lies in targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation, a central pathological hallmark of PD linked to neuronal dysfunction and progressive neurodegeneration. Our research teams have previously developed a phenotypic cellular assay capable of detecting and quantifying alpha-synuclein aggregation. Using this platform, we have identified a novel compound with potent anti-aggregation properties and favorable pharmacological characteristics.

In this project, you will play a key role in elucidating the molecular target and mechanism of action of this lead compound. Your work will involve:

• Development and implementation of translational alpha-synuclein aggregation assays using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and 3D human brain organoids. These advanced models will help assess compound efficacy in human cellular contexts, increasing the translational value of your findings.
• Target engagement studies, using biochemical and multimodal imaging techniques, including live imaging, TEM and CLEM, to characterize synuclein aggregation.
• Functional assays to characterize the compound’s impact on cellular function
• Generating proof-of-concept data in cellular and preclinical PD models, laying the groundwork for future clinical development.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of neurobiology, drug discovery, and translational neuroscience. You will collaborate closely with the team of Prof. Dr. Veerle Baekelandt (KU Leuven) and with the Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3, KU Leuven), providing access to medicinal chemistry, screening platforms, and preclinical development expertise.

Your contributions could pave the way toward a first-in-class therapeutic strategy for PD and potentially other synucleinopathies.

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Offer

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Wouter Peelaerts, tel.: +32 16 37 40 59, mail: [email protected].

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