Postdoctoral researcher vascular ageing

Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences for a postdoctoral researcher in the area of vascular ageing.

Job description

• You will be working in the Physiopharmacology research group  on defining the pathophysiology of vascular ageing. The laboratory of Physiopharmacology has a strong track record in cardiovascular disease. A first line of research involves the pathophysiology of vascular remodelling and atherosclerosis, with a focus on cell death, survival and vascular ageing. In a second line of research, the physiology of the heart is studied and in a third line we focus on cardiovascular safety pharmacology.
• Research topic: Vascular ageing is characterized by structural and functional changes in the wall of large arteries, leading to arterial stiffness, which is an independent predictor of cardiovascular complications. We aim to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms causing vascular ageing and arterial stiffness in order to prevent or slow down this process and improve the quality of life of the ageing population. The focus will be on the role of autophagy in vascular ageing, which is a homeostatic process that supports cell survival under stressful conditions. The autophagic process becomes impaired as we age, contributing to the development of age-related diseases. However, many questions about why autophagy declines and how it can be therapeutically addressed, are still unanswered.
• In addition to experimental research, you will apply for a postdoctoral fellowship via FWO  (‘junior postdoctoral fellowship’) and/or HORIZON-MSCA-postdoctoral fellowship  in the 2024 call (submission in September 2023 for MSCA and December 2023 for FWO fellowship).

Profile and requirements

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or you will have obtained a PhD before mid-September 2023 in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Medicine or equivalent.
• Expertise in the area of vascular diseases and/or autophagy is an asset.
• You comply with the eligibility conditions for a junior FWO postdoctoral fellowship  and/or for a MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowship  (p.7)
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not resided, studied or worked in Belgium for more than 24 months in the 3 years immediately preceding the recruitment date (eligibility rule for postdoc with a subsidy).
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy .
• You will co-supervise PhD students.
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).

We offer

• An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of up to one year. During this period, you will be actively assisted in applying for personal fellowships (FWO and/or MSCA postdoctoral fellowship) with a topic in the above-mentioned theme and with Physiopharmacology as the host laboratory. You will have access to grant writing workshops and our excellent expertise in (inter)national fellowship applications.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for vascular ageing research.
• Dedicated training programs available at UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset.
• The date of appointment: June 1st , 2023, or soon after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will work in an interdisciplinary, international and stimulating working environment.
• Click here to find out more about working at the University of Antwerp and the related benefits.

How to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including February 14th , 2023(by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV and 2) a letter of motivation with contact details of two referees.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. These candidates will be invited for an online interview that will take place soon after the closing date of the vacancy (exact date will be communicated).
• The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
• 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. Lynn Roth ([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.