Doctoral scholarship holder omics-based interrogation of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection mechanisms

Department: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Regime Full-time

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The Center of Medical Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Omics-based interrogation of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection mechanisms”.

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 substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of clinical, molecular and pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases, including heart and large vessel diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and intellectual disability. Within this setting, the Functional Genomics research team of Prof. Verstraeten aims to further elucidate and therapeutically target the disease mechanisms underlying aortopathy and skeletal dysplasia. This PhD project is part of BREAK-OUT, an ERC Starting Grant that aims to push preclinical aortopathy research forward.

“Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a silent but life-threatening event for which no curative therapies exist. In this project, single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics approaches in aortic tissue samples of transgenic TAAD mouse models will be used to further unravel the disease processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets.”

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of functional genomics of cardiovascular diseases.
• You will publish high-quality scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry or Biotechnology, or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You are ambitious, quality-oriented, honest and creative.
• You are fluent in written and spoken English.
• You are a strong team player with good communication skills.

Additional required skills

• You successfully acquired a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate.
• You have expertise in mouse work.

Additional desirable skills

• You know how to work in R.
• You have expertise in single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics data analysis.
• Experience in the field of cardiovascular diseases is considered a plus.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of four years, upon positive evaluation after the first year.
• The planned start date is 15/09/2024, 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 the Center of Medical Genetics (Edegem, Antwerp) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 13 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: a strong motivation letter and your academic CV (including honors, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications,…)
• 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.
• 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. Aline Verstraeten ([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.