Doctoral scholarship holder to work on microglia biology and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases using bioinformatic tools and integration of multi-omics datasets

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime Full-time

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The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Belgium , in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder to work on microglia biology and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases using bioinformatic tools and integration of multi-omics datasets.  The Mancuso lab  uses CRISPR tools, iPSC and humanized mouse technology to unravel the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on microglia biology in the context of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
• Microglia and neuroinflammation play a central role in FTD and other neurodegenerative disorders. You will investigate disease causing genetic mutations alter microglia function in vitro and in vivo. You will work with unique datasets from a variety of omics platforms, from diverse in vitro and in vivo human microglia xenotransplantation systems, with the final goal of elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which disease genetic risks manifests.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and critical candidate with a strong background in bioinformatics and data analysis, particularly transcriptomics and/or proteomics data.

• You hold a master’s degree in bioinformatics, related disciplines or equivalent through experience.
• Prior experience with programming in R or Python, and with data analysis of –omics data is considered an advantage.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Proficient in verbal and written English.
• Ability to summarize data extracted from literature and to define research objectives.
• Passion for science, self-motivation, flexibility, and team spirit.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2021 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 work at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology in a world-class research environment  with state of the art research facilities.
• 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 9 August 2021 (by midnight Brussels time). 
• Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in our work and aspire this PhD position
  • your academic CV incl. a list of publications
  • the names and contact details of 3 references
• 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 Renzo Mancuso ([email protected] ) or Sofie Meulenbergs ([email protected] )
• https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/vacancies/academic-staff/RenzoMancusolab

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.