PhD researcher on the research topic of “Brain organoids for Ischemic Stroke”

Department: Vaccine & infectious disease institute
Regime Full-time

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The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology for a PhD researcher on the research topic of “Brain organoids for Ischemic Stroke”.

Functie

• Hosting Research Group: You will be working as PhD researcher in the NeuroInflammation and Regeneration Research Group of the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology under supervision of prof. Peter Ponsaerts. (https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/peter-ponsaerts/ )
• Research topic: Stroke is one the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Despite the impact of ischemic stroke on the patient’s quality of life and on society, current treatment modalities are very limited. Multiple reasons may account for this lack of success, such as deficiencies in animal studies or clinical trial design, but it is equally clear that the predictive power of the systems currently used to model human ischemic stroke in vitro should be questioned. Within this PhD project, you will make use of 3D neurospheroid/organoid models - consisting of neurons, astrocytes and microglia – to investigate the effect of oxygen/glucose-deprivation on neuronal cell survival, microglia/astrocyte activation and electrophysiological network behaviour.
• Relevant expertise: Expertise with cell culture (hiPSC-derived neuronal models) and/or electrophysiology (multi-electrode arrays) and/or RNA-Seq analysis is strongly recommended. 

Profile

• You obtained – or will obtain before start of the position – a master degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, (Bio)Medicine or an equivalent discipline.
• You can present outstanding study results during your Bachelor and Master studies (top-20 of your study year).
• You qualify to apply for independent funding for a PhD fellowship by the Fund for Scientific Research. (fwo.be/en/ )
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy .
• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).

Aanbod

• An appointment as a PhD researcher for a period of four years (one year + three years after yearly positive evaluation).
• We aim for a start in October 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for PhD fellowship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (beursbedragen ).
• Lees hier meer over werken bij de Universiteit Antwerpen.

Solliciteren?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp's online job application platform up to July 14th 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments in pdf format: (i) a motivation letter, (ii) your CV, (iii) a 2-page summary of your master thesis, (iv) a transcript of your study results and (v) the names and contact details of two references.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications, after which you may be invited for online or onsite interview (exact date will be discussed upon availability).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact prof. Peter Ponsaerts.([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.