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The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD with a project focused on biomarker discovery in neurological disorders.
Position
The Weckhuysen team and the Sleegers team at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Belgium are seeking a highly motivated PhD student as part of a joint project focused on biomarker discovery in neurological disorders. The Weckhuysen and Sleegers labs perform leading edge research discovering risk genes and analyzing molecular mechanisms in intractable epilepsy and in Alzheimer’s disease, respectively, using next-generation genetics technologies.
Early-onset epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are both frequent and debilitating conditions that profoundly impact patients’ lives. Early-onset epilepsy can be treatment resistant and is often accompanied by developmental and neuropsychiatric problems. AD leads to a progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills; it is the most common cause of dementia. For both epilepsy and AD, molecular diagnosis can be challenging due to the inaccessibility of the brain in most individuals. As such, there is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers from non-invasive sources to enable more accurate or earlier diagnosis.
This collaborative PhD project, co-hosted by the Weckhuysen and Sleegers labs, focuses on the discovery of biomarkers in epilepsy and AD using innovative laboratory and computational approaches. Samples from individuals with epilepsy, AD, and unaffected controls (including blood/serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and, where possible, brain tissue) will be analyzed. In this project, three complementary strategies will be explored. (1) We will analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) which is fragmented DNA released from dying cells. This cfDNA can contain mutations or chemical modifications (methylation) associated with specific disease mechanisms. (2) We will analyze extracellular RNA (exRNA), which provide an extra kinetic layer that can be indicative of a specific pathology. And (3), we will isolate and analyze extracellular vesicles (EVs), membranous particles secreted from cells that can contain protein, RNA, or DNA. The contents of these EVs can be investigated for cell-type specific biomarkers.
Profile
We seek a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative individual to join our team. The candidate should have a strong interest in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and genetics.
Essential:
- Master’s Degree in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, (bio)statistics, bioengineering, computer science, related disciplines or equivalent through experience
- Proficient in verbal and written English.
- Ability to summarize data extracted from literature and to define research objectives.
- Passionate for science, critically-thinking, self-motivated, flexible, and enjoys working in a team
Desirable but not required:
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as next-generation sequencing, RT-qPCR, and nucleic acid extractions
- Programming experience, preferably in Python or R, and experience in the Linux environment
- Experience with large-scale data analysis, such as genomics or transcriptomics data
- Experience with a workflow management system such as Snakemake or Nextflow
- A willingness to learn and apply machine learning approaches
What we offer
As part of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB, the applicant will benefit from established collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in genomics, functional genomics and cell biology, proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, structural biology, technology development, and bioinformatics.
The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 7 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic etiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientist from across the world.
- A versatile and challenging job in a vibrant world-class research environment operating at an international level
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- A dedicated training program to broaden your expertise and enhance your skill set
- A doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for a further three-year period after positive evaluations. During the doctoral scholarship, you will be encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (e.g. national funding organization FWO). Please do check eligibility criteria prior to applying for this position.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
- 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.
Starting date: as soon as possible, open to negotiation
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Don’t forget to include the following document(s):
- a detailed CV incl. a list of previous experience
- a letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in our work and aspire this PhD position
- the names and contact details of 3 references
If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact tejasvi.niranjan@uantwerpen.be or jasper.verwilt@uantwerpen.be
For more information about our research center:
https://weckhuysenlab.sites.vib.be/en
https://sleegerslab.sites.vib.be/en
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.
