Postdoctoral mandate under supervision of Prof. dr. Ingeborg Stalmans (UZ Leuven and Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven), Prof. dr. Lieve Moons and Dr. Lies De Groef (Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven), Prof. dr. Rik Vandenberghe (UZ Leuven and Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, KU Leuven) and other academic as well as industrial ADMIRE task force members.

Responsibilities

The eye offers a unique window to the brain and its circulation as the retina is embryologically derived from the diencephalon and can be easily reached by visible light. Changes in the retinal structure and function have been linked to several cerebral and cardiovascular diseases, even in a pre-clinical stage. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and characterized by accumulation of amyloid-protein in the cerebral cortex. Spectroscopic quantification of soluble amyloid-oligomers in the retina seems a promising non-invasive biomarker for AD that could be used in animal research as well as to detect patients in a pre-clinical stadium, enabling proper screening, diagnostics, follow-up and therapeutical studies. Unlike all the techniques that have been previously used to demonstrate in vivo amyloid load, our technique acquires a hyperspectral signature of the retina in an affordable, fast and non-invasive method by using a hyperspectral snapshot image sensor. 

This project aims to determine the specificity of the hyperspectral signal for soluble beta-amyloid in a preclinical setting, to validate our clinical set-up and to develop an AD prediction/staging algorithm, via machine learning approaches and longitudinal follow-up of phenotyped patients. Not only multimodal data input from hyperspectral imaging will be relied on, but also input from various existing technologies that have been well-established in ophthalmological practice will be considered. Besides coordination of this project and clinical trial, the postdoc will focus on leveraging the project towards a next stage of clinical development. This includes applying for fundraising, tightening contacts with consortium members, management of international appeal, collaboration with patient organizations and decision making about future strategy. The project already consists of several dedicated enthusiasts but an additional strategic force would be an added value. The postdoctoral mandate can be extended through envisioned and additional fundraising.

Profile 

• The candidate should hold a doctoral title in Biology, Biochemistry, Bio engineering, Biomedical Sciences or equivalent.
• The candidate should have a strong interest in neurobiology/ophthalmology.
• Excellent knowledge of the English language, both spoken and written, is required.

Offer

Postdoctoral mandate, for which at least one year of funding already is secured. Prolongation is possible through envisioned grant application. Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ingeborg Stalmans, mail: or Mr. Jan Van Eijgen, mail:. You can apply for this job no later than December 31, 2019 via the online application tool KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.