PhD student liquid biopsies in colorectal cancer

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

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The Center for Medical Genetics Antwerp and the Center for Oncological REsearch (CORE) are research institutes within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital, comprising over 100 scientists fulltime engaged in research.  We are looking for a PhD student in the field of liquid biopsies in colorectal cancer

Position

You will perform research in the field of liquid biopsies, with a focus on colorectal cancer. The objective of this project is to evaluate the reliability of DNA methylation biomarkers for treatment monitoring of colorectal cancer patients through liquid biopsies. This project is multi-disciplinary and involves two research groups based at both UAntwerp and UZA. The outcome of this project could potentially lead to alternative approaches for treatment monitoring in patients with colorectal cancer.  You will join an enthusiastic team, with an established and extensive international research network. In your daily work, you will mainly work within the research team at the Center for Medical Genetics. Additionally, you will also collaborate with clinicians providing patient samples and clinical expertise, as well as with laboratory-oriented researchers in cancer genetics.

Profile

• You are (or soon will be) a master in one of the life sciences (biomedical science, biochemical science, bio engineering).
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• A strong background in human genetics and cancer biology is needed.
• You have strong interest in the biomarker discovery field.
• Proficiency in English, and strong communication skills, both oral and written, are required.
• You are highly motivated, and you like to work in an interactive and dynamic research team.

What we offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal after positive evaluation, with a start date September 2024
• 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 perform most of your work at the Center for medical genetics
• 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 March 25th, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …)
  • contact info of two references
  • a strong motivation letter
• 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] .
• For additional information regarding the project, please contact one of the following:

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.