Doctoral scholarship holder “Single-cell proteomics of the cochlea”

Department: Translational Neurosciences
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 Resonant Labs Antwerp at the Department of Translational Neurosciences in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Single-cell proteomics of the cochlea”.  

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of proteomics and auditory neuroscience.
• This 3-year scholarship is focused on the identification of proteins important in the functional cochlea generally, and the hair cells in the organ of Corti more specifically, as well as their molecular interactions. This project is performed in collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Paris and will apply the latest evolutions in proteomic techniques resulting in a gain in Mass Spectrometry (MS) sensitivity.
• The doctoral candidate will study newly identified components in hair cells using single cell proteomics techniques. The functional repercussions of specific inactivation of the newly identified proteins using morphological and physiological approaches will be evaluated using corresponding knockout mouse models. Additionally, protein-protein interactions will be characterized in a pathophysiological perspective.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will supervise bachelor and master students.

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or similar or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results. Publications and international experience are an asset.
• You meet the criteria for an FWO fellowship application fundamental research or strategic basic research.
• You are in the possession of a FELASA attest category B and/or C or are willing to start training.
• Experience in performing and analysing mass spectrometry data, and/or bioinformatics are an asset.
• Your teaching competences are in line 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.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 1 year.
• The planned start date is July 1st  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 (Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk) 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 April 2024 (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, your degree of graduation and percentile (if available), and academic publications.
• 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. Please make a note of the following dates: 25 April 2024 in the morning for the interviews.
• 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. Vincent Van Rompaey ([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.