Nervous system rewiring upon developmental stress
KU Leuven, Belgium
- Institution
- KU Leuven
- Country
- Belgium
- Subject area
- Biology & Life Sciences
- Location
- Leuven, Belgium
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
The team researches a variety of fundamental questions using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as invertebrate model organism. This project is situated in a collaborative environment of three teams who share interests in unveiling fundamental principles of neurobiology. Here, the specific focus is on the neurohormonal changes that accompany the experience of starvation stress during development; several other lab members work on related topics (see also: https://bio.kuleuven.be/df/lt/ (supervisor), and https://bio.kuleuven.be/df/ib and https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/groups/wschafer/ (co-supervisors) ).
Website unit
Project
Neuropeptides are small proteins that carry out communication between neurons and are critical for the function of all animal brains. Indeed, drugs such as Ozempic and fentanyl act through human neuropeptide pathways. The diversity and ubiquity of neuropeptides means that neuropeptide signaling is organized in pervasive "wireless" networks connecting neurons that are not wired together with synapses. These networks can be remodeled by food availability and other environmental conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this regulation are not well understood.
We are using the nematode C. elegans, whose nervous system has been completely mapped at the cellular level, to discover how neuropeptide networks are reorganized by feeding and stress. In particular, we are studying neuropeptide pathways in the dauer, a specialized larval stage similar to the infective stage of parasitic worms, which is induced by starvation, crowding and high temperature. We are applying a broad range of approaches, including optogenetics, microfluidics, high-throughput behavioral analysis, as well as classical and molecular genetics. This PhD project aims to combine these research tools to map changes in neuropeptide pathways and determine how specific peptides control dauer-specific changes in physiology and behavior. This work will be relevant both for gaining general insight into the regulation of these important brain signaling molecules, but also may help develop strategies for controlling parasitic nematodes.
Profile
- are autonomous, yet sociable colleagues
- are creative problem-solvers
- can clearly communicate their research (results) to other lab members and research partners
- have excellent research skills and a strong interest in neuro- and behavioral biology, genetics, and molecular biological methods
- are proficient in English
- are willing to supervise Bachelor and Master students
- have basic statistical analysis skills
- are generally curious and willing to learn
- have a sense of responsibility and are able to take initiative to improve research
- work results-oriented, i.e. they have the focus and abilities to work towards publishable units of scientific information
Offer
Temmerman lab website
Information on (incl. eligibility criteria of) FWO PhD fellowships
Beets lab website
Schafer lab website
Interested?
Only applications that are submitted online via the KU Leuven platform will be considered. Interviews (live/online) will be planned Aug 31st and Sept 1st 2026. Should you require more information prior to application, please contact Prof. Temmerman, mail: [email protected].
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