PhD Position in Oncology

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The GENCOR Research Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD-student in the field of cardio-oncology with focus on translational research on the role of  SERPINA3 in cancer therapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction (CTRCD). The research builds on previous data from the research team, in patients and mouse models, showing promise of SERPINA3 as prognostic marker and possible target in cardiovascular disease.

Position

• Innovative Research: You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the research group of Physiopharmacology (GENCOR Research Unit). You will investigate the role of SERPINA3 in cardiovascular pathology using both mouse models as well as patient samples.  
• Hands-on experience: For the basic research, you will work in the lab and perform different techniques: in vivo high-resolution ultrasound imaging, ex vivo vascular reactivity in organ baths, molecular analyses (including RNA-sequencing), in vitro cell culture, etc. For the clinical study, you are responsible for molecular SERPINA3 assays and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge sharing and teaching: You will publish scientific articles related to your research and present your work at national and international workshops and conferences, contributing to the global scientific community. You may also carry out a limited number of teaching tasks, such as supervision of master students.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Life Sciences (Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Veterinary Sciences or equivalent) or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You are a motivated student and can demonstrate excellent study results (e.g. Cum Laude).
• Experience with laboratory animals is a plus. You hold a FELASA B or C certificate (or you are prepared to obtain the certificate by following a dedicated course).
• You are committed to conduct integer research with an creative and a collaborative spirit; qualities which are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You are eager to expand your knowledge and skills, embracing new challenges and opportunities for professional growth.
• You are capable of working independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team. You have strong communication skills and are fluent in English (speaking and writing).
• You are enthusiastic about transferring your knowledge to master students and contributing to quality education.
• You are willing to apply for an FWO doctoral fellowship to obtain external funding.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship will be renewed once for another two-year period.
• The start date is preferentially as soon as possible, but cannot be later than Sept 1^st 2025.
• 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.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:The vacancy has no fixed closure date and applications will be evaluated on a continuous base.
  • a motivation letter
  • your CV
• The selection committee will review the applications carefully and will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.  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 research project or job itself, please contact prof. dr. Pieter-Jan Guns, 03/265.27.84, pieter-jan.guns@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.