The Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology at the University of Antwerp, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, is seeking to fill the following full-time (100%) vacancy:
Doctoral Grant in the area of Biomedical Sciences on the subject: UNRAVELING THE CELLULAR AND SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF SERUM AMYLOIDS ALONG THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Position
You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Biomedical Sciences with the goal to unravel the role of serum amyloids in pathogenic gut-brain communication;
You perform scientific research and report on your results by actively participating in scientific conferences and by writing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles;
You contribute to a limited extent to educational and scientific outreach activities, as a member of the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology
Research topic
Recent evidence suggests that inflammation in the gut can contribute to neurodegeneration and worsen the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Our research has unveiled that bacterial amyloids produced by the gut's microbiome trigger a strong immune response in the gastrointestinal system and that serum amyloid SAA3 is a key regulator in kickstarting a series of inflammatory reactions. Because SAA3 can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is found in higher levels in AD patients, we believe it may play a vital role in the harmful communication between the gut and the brain. The project is therefore aimed at investigating the mechanisms through which SAA3 activates immune cells (particularly glia) in the enteric and the central nervous system. This way we intend to further our understanding of pathogenic gut-brain communication and offer critical new insights into AD development.
Profile
You hold a master degree in (Bio-)medical Sciences, Biochemistry, (Bio-)Physics, Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, Medicine or equivalent. Students in the final year of their degree as well as foreign candidates are welcome to apply as well;
You hold a FELASA certificate and are willing to work with laboratory mice;
You can submit outstanding academic results and are willing to apply for external funding;
You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative;
Experience with techniques such as cell culture, fluorescence microscopy and/or bio-informatics is an asset;
Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
What we offer
A doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, which can be prolonged to a total of 4 years after a positive evaluation;
The start date of the scholarship is as soon as possible, but no later than September 1st, 2024;
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
A cutting-edge research project in a dynamic and stimulating work environment where the candidate will have access to various state-of-the art technologies.
Want to apply?
You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including April 1st 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
a copy of your CV
a cover letter
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure
For questions about the profile, research topic and the description of duties, please contact prof. dr. Winnok De Vos (Tel: 0032.3.265.34.45) and dr. Peter Verstraelen (Tel: 0032.3.265.17.98);
If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be.
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
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