Last application date Oct 18, 2024 00:00
Department DI04 - Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health
Contract Limited duration
Degree Master's degree in Health Sciences (pharmaceutical or biomedical sciences, (veterinary) medicine, or equivalent) or or Engineering (biological, biomedical, chemical, material sciences or equivalent)
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
The Laboratory for Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET) at Ghent University, part of the Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology, and Public Health (DI04), has a fully funded full-time position (1 year, with an additional 3 years upon positive evaluation) available for a doctoral student within the framework of the MeMoSA research project. This project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC).
The global and increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity constitutes a serious public health issue. This pandemic is the result of changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and physical activity. Due to the multifactorial nature of the condition, treatment is also complicated, as each patient requires a unique approach. Additionally, obesity has significant health consequences, with increased risks of serious conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer, as well as psychological and social implications for the child. Metabolomics plays an important role in obesity research, particularly in unravelling complex metabolic processes in the body. This scientific approach enables researchers to study changes in small molecules, known as metabolites.
A first part of this project will involve the optimization and evaluation of an electrospinning-based sampling device. This work will be performed in close collaboration with Prof. Karen De Clerck (material sciences). This device will result in an improved stabilization and subsequent analysis of biofluids. Next, the collected biofluids will be analysed using advanced, but further to be developed analytical techniques including mass spectrometry.
The goal of this project is to gain insight into metabolic changes in children with overweight or obesity through improved metabolomics analyses. This not only aids in understanding the individual underlying mechanisms of obesity but also in identifying biomarkers that, to conclude this project, will help guide targeted interventions.
Your practical research assignment involves conducting scientific research in preparation for a doctorate within the MeMoSA project. You will contribute to:
You will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers in metabolomics, material sciences, and data analysis.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Applications, including a motivation letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae (including study results), should be submitted to Prof. Lynn Vanhaecke (limet@ugent.be) by 18/10/2024 12PM CET. More information about the vacancy can be obtained via the above email address or by phone (+32 (0)9 264 74 57). After a pre-selection based on the CV, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. We offer a full-time contract starting preferably between November 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 (to be discussed).
Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.
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