Doctoral Scholarship Holder Omics Driven Drug Discovery In Hereditary Aortopathy

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Center of Medical Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Omics driven drug discovery in hereditary aortopathy”

The Antwerp Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) is a large clinical, diagnostic and research department that is embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital. The CMG has built up a substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of the clinical, molecular and pathophysiological study of several hereditary diseases: heart diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and mental retardation. Within this setting, Prof. Dr. Bart Loeys is leading the cardiogenomics research group. Our group is dedicated to unraveling the intricate genetic, biochemical, and molecular pathways underlying aortic aneurysmal disease. With a dynamic blend of clinical insight and molecular proficiency, we stand at the forefront, seamlessly translating cutting-edge discoveries into tangible improvements in patient care, diagnostics, and genetic counseling. Our overarching ambition? To unearth the hidden mechanisms driving aortic aneurysmal disease, paving the way for targeted treatments that promise hope for this life-threatening condition.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of cardiogenomics, more specifically hereditary aortic aneurysm and dissection.
• You are eager to take on a challenging PhD project investigating the molecular mechanisms of aortic aneurysmal disease, making use of human DNA, mouse models, cells (iPSC-derived models), -omics datasets and bioinformatics tools.
• You will publish high-quality scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or closely related discipline, or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• You are eligible to apply for FWO(-SB) scholarship.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You are ambitious, quality-oriented, honest and creative.
• You are fluent in written and spoken English.
• You are a strong team player with good communication skills.
• You successfully acquired a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate.
• You have hands on expertise in iPSC and/or mouse work.
• Having specific interest and/or background in bioinformatics is an extra advantage.

What we offer

• We offer a Doctoral scholarship for a period of four years, upon positive evaluation after the first year.
• The planned start date is 1^st of September 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• 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 do most of your work at Center for Medical Genetics in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• 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 June 17, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
• a motivation letter
• your academic CV (including honors, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications,…)
• 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 jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please Prof Dr Bart Loeys (bart.loeys@uantwerpen.be)

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.