Postdoc in neuroscience of obesity

A major challenge in obesity treatment is the rebound in body weight that often follows successful weight loss—whether achieved through pharmacological interventions, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy or Ozempic), or lifestyle strategies, including caloric restriction and exercise. Most individuals eventually regain the lost weight, resulting in weight cycling, commonly known as the “yo-yo” effect.

This ZonMw Vici project aims to unravel how microglia–neuron interactions in the hypothalamus contribute to obesity and weight regain after weight loss interventions. A key approach involves analyzing postmortem human brain tissue from individuals with acquired or genetic obesity to identify molecular signatures linked to obesity and weight loss. Promising microglial and neuronal targets will then be investigated in obese animal models to dissect the underlying cellular mechanisms and test potential compounds that modulate microglial pathways, with the ultimate goal of developing anti-obesity treatments that prevent weight rebound.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in translational neuroscience.

You will lead a project focused on developing organoid-like human brain slice cultures from postmortem tissue to study microglia–neuron interactions using single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches. You will also test potential microglia- and neuron-targeting anti-obesity drugs in these ex vivo systems.

In parallel, you will collaborate with a team of postdocs, PhD students, and technicians working with genetic animal models to investigate microglial metabolic pathways involved in obesity and weight regain.

As a postdoc, you are highly motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about translational neuroscience. You are creative, curious, and have a problem-solving mindset. Moreover, you have strong team spirit, but also work well independently. Additionally, you:

• have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field;
• have experience with ex vivo brain slice or organoid culture;
• preferably have experience in bioinformatics or multi-omics data analysis;
• are a great communicator and have experience working with academic and/or industry partners;
• are proficient in spoken and written English;
• are willing to participate in autopsies for postmortem tissue collection (in collaboration with the Netherlands Brain Bank).