Doctoral Grant (BOF), Neuroplasticity using in-vivo neuro MRI - 2019BAPDOCPROEX225

The Faculty of Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & 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 neuroplasticity using in-vivo neuro MRI

The core R&D activity of the Bio-Imaging lab is experimental high resolution neuroMRI focusing on neurodegeneration, neuromodulation and neuroplasticity. The research is performed on rat and mouse models for different human neuropathologies and on songbirds as a model for neuroplasticity and learning. We have two 7Tesla 16 cm and one 9.4Tesla 20 cm horizontal bore in-vivo MRI scanners and a cryocoil from Bruker (Germany) and a desktop 4.7Tesla from MRSolutions (UK)).

In this PhD project, advanced in-vivo MRI tools and behavioral readouts will be used to quantify the structural architecture and connectivity of the zebra finch brain along the process of vocal learning, with the aim to explore the neurobiological basis of the microstructural tissue properties and to uncover the functional neural circuit linked to improved learning accuracy.

Job description

• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of neurosciences using neuro Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You contribute to teaching and research in Dept. Biomedical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Veterinary Sciences /research group Bio-Imaging Lab.

Profile and requirements

• You hold a master degree in Biomedical Science, Neurosciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Veterinary Sciences, Bio- or Biomedical Engineering or related Bio Sciences with a strong motivation for neurosciences.
• 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 are clearly a good team player, you are a creative and critical scientist motivated to perform basic scientific research. You are a dynamic person who likes to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• You have a FELASA C certificate, or willing to obtain one.
• Preferably you have experience with (small animal) in-vivo Neuro MRI (acquisition, processing).
• You are fluent in English and have strong communication skills.
• Experience in one or more of: imaging, neurosciences,computational neuroscience, programming (e.g., Matlab/Python/C++/…) will be considered as a bonus.

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 , a cover letter and 2 names of potential referees.
• 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. Marleen Verhoye, tel: +32 (0)3 265 2786, marleen.verhoyeuantwerpen.be, or prof. Annemie Van der Linden, tel: +32 (0)3 265 2775, annemie.vanderlindenuantwerpen.be.

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