Doctoral scholarship holder Cardiogenomics – aneurysmal disease

Department: Genetics, Pharmacology and Physiopathology of Heart, Blood Vessels and Skeleton
Regime Full-time

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Research Environment

The Antwerp Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) is a large clinical, diagnostic and research department  that is embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital. The CMG has built up a substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of the clinical, molecular and pathophysiological study of several hereditary diseases: heart diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and mental retardation.

Within this setting, Prof. Dr. Bart Loeys and Prof. Dr. Aline Verstraeten are leading the cardiogenomics and functional genomics research groups. These groups’aim is to further elucidate the genetic, biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which aneurysmal disease is caused. The unique combination of clinical and molecular expertise within the group offers a platform for immediate translation and implementation of pathogenic knowledge into the daily clinical care, diagnostics and genetic counseling of patients and their relatives.

The Cardiogenomics-Functional Genomics research groups of the Center of Medical Genetics is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Cardiogenomics – aneurysmal disease

Position

• We are looking for enthusiastic PhD students who are interested in a challenging PhD project investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in aneurysmal disease.
• You will join a very enthusiastic team, with an established international research network.
• You will be given the possibility to apply a broad range of state-of-the-art technologies for the study of the genetic, molecular and pathophysiological characteristics of the disorder, making use of human DNA, cells (iPSC-derived models), tissues and animal models (mouse), -omics datasets and bioinformatics tools.  

Profile

• Candidates should have a MSc degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• A specific interest and/or background in bioinformatics is an extra advantage.
• Moreover, they should be highly motivated, team-oriented, communicative and eligible for an FWO(-SB) scholarship.
• Particularly candidates with hands-on experience in mammalian cell work and/or human genetics are highly encouraged to apply.

What we offer

• We offer a 1-year full-time position, starting September 1st  2022, in a growing and dedicated research group that participates in ample international networks on cardiovascular disease.
• To allow an extension of the contract with another 3-4 years and, hence, successful completion of the PhD, the student will be encouraged to apply for external funding during the first PhD year.
• 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.
• 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 May 23, 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV
•  The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we 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 [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr. Bart Loeys (03/275.97.64; [email protected] ) or Prof. Dr. Aline Verstraeten (03/275.97.68; [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.