Doctoral scholarship holder translational oncological research

Department: Molecular Imaging – Pathology – Radiotherapy – Oncology
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

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 Center for Oncological Research (CORE) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of translational oncological research.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis. The PhD project is focused on translational oncology research, an interdisciplinary field that bridges preclinical research and clinical application to advance cancer treatment. Our approach combines high-throughput tumor organoid drug screening using live-cell imaging, which enables the testing of multiple drug candidates on patient-derived tumor models, with advanced bioinformatics analysis to identify and validate potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. This integrated method aims to accelerate the development of personalized cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in bioinformatics (or related) or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Strong programming skills:Proficiency in R and Python for data analysis, statistical computing, and scripting.
• Bioinformatics expertise: Experience or interest in bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis is a plus. Capability to perform integrated analysis of multi-omics data.
• Machine learning and deep learning:Experience or keen interest in applying machine learning and deep learning techniques to develop drug response prediction models, utilizing in-house generated training data and public databases.
• Cancer biology knowledge:Background or knowledge in cancer biology to effectively contribute to translational oncology research is a plus.
• Capable of working independent and in a team.
• Willingness to learn.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• 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 up to and including 8 August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • Public GitHub account, if any.
• 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. Interviews of the selected candidates will take place between August 22 – 30, 2024. Interviews can take place online or in person. 
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. Christophe Deben, [email protected] .

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.