PhD candidate who will conduct research in the field of Chlamydia (C) trachomatis

9 May 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Antwerp

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry
Engineering » Other
Medical sciences » Other
Pharmacological sciences » Other
Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

1 Jun 2023 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

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 Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD candidate who will conduct research in the field of Chlamydia (C) trachomatis. C. trachomatis is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease, with 127 million infections reported in 2016. In women, genital tract infections by C. trachomatis can cause severe complications, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. In addition, the impact on susceptibility and transmission of other pathogens, such as HIV, has been reported. There is a consensus that prophylactic vaccination against C. trachomatis would be an important tool in our fight to control the worldwide impact of C. trachomatis. However, vaccine development, already being investigated for more than a century, is hampered by insufficient knowledge of the complex biology of C. trachomatis and its adaptations to evade interactions with the immune system. Current know-how emphasizes the importance of IFNɣ production and neutralizing antibody production as part of a successful immune response. Interestingly, the specific correlates of protection against infection are still to be revealed. This PhD will build on the know-how that is being established by our group using a first-void urine (FVU) sample for monitoring the impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs. We have demonstrated already that FVU sampling can be effectively used to detect the presence of HPV infection and to monitor the humoral immune response. The developed tools to study the pathogen-immune system interaction will be adjusted for the follow-up of C. trachomatis infection and potential vaccine impact. This task fits within an ERC funded project entitled: "URISAMP: follow-up of disease and vaccine impact using a non-invasive liquid biopsy of the female genital system".

Position

• You will prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Medical Sciences.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will take on a limited package of educational and research support tasks within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• You are responsible for the daily execution of clinical trials (recruitment of participants, collection and processing of data, assistance with sampling and processing...)
• You carry out laboratory research.

Profile

• You hold a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, Bioscience Engineering, Biochemistry, or Veterinary Medicine.
• You can present excellent study results.
• Your educational competences are in line with the educational vision  of the University of Antwerp.
• Your research qualities are in line with faculty and university research policy .
• You work in a quality-oriented, honest, creative, and collaborative manner.
• You are administratively strong and a quick learner.
• You have a professional attitude about handling confidential data.
• You are highly motivated, flexible, stress-resistant, and can communicate well in both Dutch and English (additional good knowledge of French is a plus)
• Experience with scientific research, conducting clinical studies (knowledge of ICH-GCP) and laboratory work is a plus.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. The grant is renewable once after positive evaluation, with a term of two years.
• The ultimate start date is 01/09/2023.
• Your monthly grant is calculated according to the grant amounts  for doctoral students in the scales for the Special Academic Personnel.
• You will largely work on Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Read 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 1 June 2023. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to add the following attachments: a motivational letter and your CV.
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you and inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. For a possible personal interview, we ask you to take the following dates into account: 8 June 2023 and 12 June 2023.
• 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.  Alex Vorsters, [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.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Medical sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Medical sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Antwerp

Country

Belgium

City

Antwerp

Postal Code

2000

Street

Prinsstraat 13

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-antwerp/2023/phd-candidate-who-w…

Contact

City

Antwerp

Website

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/

Postal Code

2000

STATUS: EXPIRED