Doctoral Grant (BOF), Cardiovascular diseases - 2019BAPDOCPROEX198

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Physiopharmacology research group for a

Doctoral Grant by the University Research Fund (BOF) in the area of cardiovascular diseases

The research group Physiopharmacology is embedded in both the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. This interfaculty research groups performs basic research in the field of cardiovascular disease, such as arterial stiffening and atherosclerosis. More information about the team, its mission and its research is available at: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/fyfar/.

We are looking for a talented and motivated scientist to advance an exciting research project entitled: “The investigation of arterial stiffness as a potential marker in cardio-oncology”. Anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin, DOX) are among the most effective chemotherapeutics and are widely used in modern cancer treatment. However, dose dependent cardiotoxicity limits the clinical use of DOX. It is well known that DOX may provoke cardiotoxicity leading to left ventricular dysfunction and eventually congestive heart failure. Recent studies have reported that anthracyclines also interfere with arterial stiffness, an overall measure of vascular health. However, it is unclear whether vascular toxicity occurs through the same mechanisms and pathways as the cardiac toxicity. The current PhD project aims to shed light on the mechanisms and clinical relevance of DOX-induced vascular toxicity by pursuing a translational experimental research approach.

Job description

• You prepare a doctoral thesis on the topic of arterial stiffness as potential marker in cardio-oncology.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You contribute (limited) to teaching of the Physiopharmacology research group.

Profile and requirements

• You hold a master degree in Medical, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical or Veterinary Sciences or similar.
• You can submit outstanding academic results.
• Students in the final year of their degree can also apply.
• Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
• You have experience with designing, planning and executing biomedical research.
• Experience with physiological measurements or cardiovascular research is a bonus.
• You have a FELASA C (study director) certificate or are prepared to obtain one.
• You have knowledge of statistics and specific software for this (SPSS, R, GraphPad, ...).
• You have strong analytical skills.
• You work carefully with an eye for detail.
• You have a proactive attitude.
• You have good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.

We offer

• a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;
• the start date of the scholarship is between October 1st 2019 and October 1st 2020;
• a gross monthly grant ranging from € 2.373,36 to € 2.516,73;
• a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

How to apply?

• Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date August 11th 2019 and should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
• The interviews of the candidates, preselected by a selection panel, will take place between August 20th and September 12th 2019.
• More information about the online application form can be obtained from vacaturesuantwerpen.be.
• For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Pieter-Jan Guns, +32 (0)3 265 2784, pieter-jan.gunsuantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp is a family friendly organization, with a focus on equal opportunities and diversity. Our HR-policy for researchers was awarded by the European Commission with the quality label HR Excellence in research.

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