Doctoral scholarship holder in Comparative Perinatal Development– gastrointestinal tract of the piglet animal model

Department: Department of Veterinary Sciences
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 Department of Veterinary Medicine in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences seeks a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in Comparative Perinatal Development– gastrointestinal tract of the piglet animal model.

Project

This project aims to show that stress in early life is a risk factor for developing gastrointestinal dysfunction and that men and women respond differently to this stressor. This project focuses explicitly on studying intestinal permeability when the gastrointestinal system undergoes crucial changes. It is assumed that both biological sexes' different responses are already present in utero, suggesting that male offspring are disadvantaged in responding to stressors during pregnancy. However, during the postnatal phase, female offspring seem to be the weaker sex with an increased prevalence of 'leaky gut syndrome.' In this project, we study male and female newborn and juvenile piglets subjected to early life stress (intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and artificial rearing). This may give us new insights into sex-linked mechanisms behind gastrointestinal dysfunction and open new avenues for possible prevention and treatment.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Veterinary Sciences.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Comparative Perinatal Development research group.

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, bio-engineering, or life sciences, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You hold a Function ABC or Category C (principal investigator) certificate that allows you to work with laboratory animals. The research activities will comprise field trials and in vivo and ex vivo piglet experiments. The field trials (on a pig farm) and in vivo experiments can be physically demanding.
• You possess a driver’s license.
• Your teaching competencies align 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.
• You are motivated to write down your research results in scientific articles.
• You have good communication skills.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for one year. The scholarship can be renewed after a positive evaluation for another three years.
• The planned start date is 1 March 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, an 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 by the 15th of January, 2024. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form, and include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your CV, and a copy of your diploma.
• The selection committee will review all 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. Please make a note of the following date: 29th  January 2024 for the interview.
• If you have questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or email [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please get in touch with Prof. Dr. Chris Van Ginneken ([email protected] ; 03 265 24 35) or Dr. Lieselotte Van Bockstal ([email protected] : 03 265 24 35).

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.