PhD student Particle Toxicology

Hasselt University, Belgium

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 14 Dec 2021
The Faculty of Sciences, research institute Research Institute: Centre for Environmental Sciences, research group Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology of Hasselt University seeks a (m/f/x)

PhD student Particle Toxicology
Background
Your research activities are situated in the research group Zoology: Biodiversityen Toxicology (department  Biology – www.bitelab.be ) en the Center for Environmental Sciences (CMK), a multidisciplinary research institute in the field of Environmental Sciences. 
http://www.uhasselt.be/cmk
Job content
As a PhD-student you will conduct research, write and publish scientific articles, participate in national and international conferences with the aim of writing a PhD-thesis. You will do research in particle toxicology. 
The research is situated as following: Do micro- and nanoparticles (MNPs) affect the human intestine? Which interactions and modes of actions occur? It is undeniable that MNPs are everywhere. They fragment from larger products in the environment or are intentionally designed in consumer products. As such, MNPs are present in the products we daily use (toothpaste, scrubs), in our food (honey, fish), drinking water and in the air we breathe. To date, we lack proper hazard and risk assessment of MNPs in humans. Hence, there is need for more and in-depth fundamental knowledge to understand potential modes of toxicity of MNPs in properly designed human model systems.
In this doctoral dissertation, two- and three-dimensional in vitro models of the human intestinal epithelium (organoids) will be used to investigate the fate of MNPs. The combination of different cell types allows us to unravel the modes of action of MNPs and their interactions of both epithelial and adult stem cell biology in- and outside the specific context of intestinal function. Together with a thorough physicochemical characterization of MNPs, this research will provide valuable fundamental knowledge on the understanding of MNPs fate in humans.
You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team with a broad international and national network. You participate in the Doctoral School of Life Sciences & Technology. You will also have some limited teaching activities in the Department of Biology.
Profile
  • You have a master's degree in biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, medicine, bioengineering (or equivalent)
  • Experience in particle toxicology is recommended.
  • Experience with particle characterization, cell cultures, molecular biological, organoid- or stem cell -techniques is recommended.
  • You have problem solving ability.
  • You have research interest.
  • You are fluent in written and oral communication, in Dutch and English.
  • You can work both in a team and independently.
Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student .
2x2 years after positive evaluation.
Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 14 December 2021.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
Further information
Prof. dr. Karen SMEETS, +32-11-268319, [email protected]
More about working at Hasselt University? Check www.uhasselt.be/vacancies for our staff benefits.

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