RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/LAB MANAGER - UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium

DESCRIPTION: The Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition (EDIN) of the Health Sciences Sector (in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium) offers a full-time position of Research Associate (m/f/x) for 4 years.

Hiring date: possible from July 2022 (position open until a suitable candidate is found)

LABORATORY THEME : Study of the endocrine pancreas in normal conditions and in diabetes.

The endocrine pancreas plays a key role in glucose homeostasis. It is organized in islets mainly composed of beta, alpha- and delta-cells, secreting, respectively, insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Insulin is the major hypoglycemic hormone whereas glucagon is hyperglycemic. Somatostatin potently inhibits both insulin and glucagon secretions. Diabetes is characterized by an impaired glucose homeostasis and results from a deficit in insulin which is absolute in type 1 diabetes (due to beta-cell destruction) or relative in type 2 diabetes (as a result of decreased beta-cell mass and insulin resistance). Diabetes is also characterized by a defective glucagon secretion (hypersecretion and altered response to hypoglycemia) of unknown origin. All cell types of the islets influence each other, but the nature of these heterologous interactions is still poorly understood. The objectives of the projects in the lab are (a) to study the direct and indirect mechanisms controlling glucagon and insulin secretion, using various approaches, from the gene to the cell and to the whole organism, (b) to investigate the causes of their dysregulation in diabetes, and (c) to identify new therapeutic targets to correct them and to normalize glucose homeostasis in diabetes. Studies will be performed on both human and mouse tissue.

FUNCTION: Integration in the team for collaboration to several research projects and realization of works in cell biology (cell cultures, biochemical assays, elisa, RIA), in molecular biology (genotyping, gene expressions/PCR, plasmid constructions, adenovirus), in immunohistochemistry, and in cell physiology. Regular contacts with mice. Responsible for the logistics of the group.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Master degree in biology, pharmacy, agronomy, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, medicine, … or equivalent.
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques and immunohistochemistry.
• Use of computer tools (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Knowledge of French essential; basic knowledge of English required.
• Ability to work in a team, and to organize one's work independently and with motivation.
• Initiative, proactivity and thoroughness.
• Ability to work with mice. A certificate in animal experimentation is requested (biotechnician or Felasa B training). In the absence of this certificate, training within our institution will be required to obtain it. No allergy to animals. For sanitary reasons, people who own at home or are in contact with rodents or lagomorphs are not eligible.

PROCEDURE:

Applications (curriculum vitae) should be sent in a single PDF file to

Dr. P. Gilon: [email protected]

Please mention in your curriculum vitae

- a phone number, an e.mail address, the birthdate, photo, copies of relevant university degrees + certificate of experimentation on laboratory animals

- your nationality (this position is only open to European citizens who can prove the equivalence of their diploma with the Belgian diploma)

- previous internships and professional experience (+ dates).

- the telephone numbers and e-mail address of at least one reference person (person in charge who supervised you during your internship, thesis or professional experience).

Please also attach a letter of motivation.