Doctoral Grant (BOF), Neurosciences - 2019BAPDOCPROEX217

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Biomedical Sciences for a

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

Title: Targeting the immunodeficiency and neurodegeneration in a hereditary sensory neuropathy (HSAN type I) associated with dysfunction of the serine palmitoyltransferase.

We will develop induced pluripotent stem cells that, after CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, will be differentiated into sensory neurons. Already identified biomolecules from the sphingolipid metabolism will be tested for their capacity to rescue the neurodegenerative phenotype. The correction of neurodegeneration in HSAN-I will be further analysed through transcriptomics and lipidomics.

Additional information on ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2162-0933

Job description

• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Neurosciences
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You contribute to teaching and research in Peripheral Neuropathies (Dept. BMW, Fac. FBD).

Profile and requirements

• You hold a master degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biology or Bioscience Engineering.
• 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 are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have thorough knowledge and skills in cell biological, biotechnological, microscopic and computational techniques. Knowledge of scientific English is necessary.

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 will be between October 1st 2019 and October 1st2020;
• 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. Vincent Timmerman, +32-3-265.10.24, vincent.timmermanuantwerpen.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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