Doctoral scholarship holder molecular oncopathology

Department: Molecular Imaging – Pathology – Radiotherapy – Oncology
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The Universiteit Antwerpen  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 Center for Oncological Research (CORE) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of molecular oncopathology to improve the diagnosis of patients with cancer of unknown primary.

This PhD project is funded by Kom op Tegen Kanker and conducted within an international multidisciplinary team of research scientists, clinical scientists, medical oncologists, and pathologists from the Center of Oncological Research and Center for Medical Genetics of the University of Antwerp , Antwerp University Hospital, University Hospital Ghent, University of Ghent and University Medical Center Groningen. You will primarily work at the pathology lab of UAntwerp CORE, ensuring close interaction with the hospital environment.

Position

• Innovative Research: You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis focused on methylation-based genomic sequencing and bioinformatics . The project aims to improve the diagnosis of patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) by designing, optimizing and validating a classifier that can predict the tumor of origin based on methylation sequencing of cancer tissue.
• Hands-on Experience: You will be responsible for patient sample collection, perform genomic sequencing and apply advanced bioinformatics including machine learning. Additionally, you will investigate and make suggestions to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic care path of patients with CUP.
• Knowledge Sharing: You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and present your work at national and international workshops and conferences, contributing to the global scientific community.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Life Sciences (Pharmaceutical Sciences,  Medicine, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Bio-Engineering or equivalent) or Bioinformatics  or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a strong interest in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, particularly in applying machine learning to solve complex problems.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You are committed to conducting research with integrity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.
• You are capable of working independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• You are eager to expand your knowledge and skills, embracing new challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship to be completed with a doctoral thesis within four years. Following positive evaluations in year one, the scholarship can be renewed for up to three years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 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, 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 up to and including 15 August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Interviews of the selected candidates will take place between August 18 – 23, 2024. Interviews can take place online or in person.
• 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 prof. dr. Karen Zwaenepoel, [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.