The PhD candidate will join the research group of Prof. Jennifer Vandooren who investigates the role of immune cell proteases and their impact on local and systemic inflammations such as neuroinflammation, lung inflammation and sepsis. The laboratory is located at KU Leuven campus Kortrijk and is embedded in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation. The group functions in a highly collaborative setting, fostering strong ties within the Biomedical Sciences groups both at campus Kortrijk (e.g. tissue engineering lab, LATRON group and Data Driven Healthcare) and at campus Leuven (e.g. Immunology groups). Furthermore, the research group is imbedded within the Interdisciplinary Research Facility Life Sciences. This facility serves as a dynamic hub, facilitating collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines. It promotes research that crosses disciplinary boundaries, drawing in participants from different University Faculties.
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Project
Inflammation is a process that is primarily known as a defence mechanism against infections and injuries. Molecular signatures associated with microbes or tissue damage are sensed by local cells which react by secreting several types of mediators of inflammation such as proteases. These mediators convey chemotactic signals and recruit leukocytes, which contribute to pathogen killing, phagocytosis, activation of adaptive immune responses and healing. Persistent or heightened inflammation leads to inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a finely balanced inflammatory response is essential, culminating in the resolution of inflammation.
We have evidence for a new mechanism of protease regulation during inflammation and tissue healing. This process is essential to macrophage function and has the potential to result into new targets for immunomodulation. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who will embark on this project. Methodologies will include isolation and activation of primary macrophages/microglia, protease assays and models for neuroinflammation/ neurodegeneration.
KU Leuven campus Kortrijk is an academic community where education and research go hand in hand. Hence, the candidate is also expected to provide teaching support. This includes support with student supervision, exercise and practical sessions for students in Biomedical Sciences and Medicine. More specifically, the candidate will be assigned to the basic biostatistics and immunology courses for bachelor's students.
Profile
Essential requirements:
- A Master degree in biomedical sciences, bioscience engineering, biochemistry, biology or other relevant discipline
- A passion for immunology and a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields
- You are motivated to contribute to education within the bachelor's programs in biomedical sciences and medicine, in particular the courses Biostatistics and Immunology
- You are willing to work with patient samples and animal models
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- You can work with R and are motivated to acquire additional training in R if needed
- Strong academic writing and communication skill
- You can work both independently as well as in team
- You have a critical mind and are creative
Considered as ‘a plus’:
- Proven experience in immunological research and/or proteolysis research
- FELASA B certification
- Experience with cell culture techniques
Offer
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- A full-time employment opportunity for a PhD researcher. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on a positive evaluation.
- Conduct immunological research in a young and dynamic team
- To be part of a research environment that fosters collaboration
- Collaborate with experts at the intersection of biology, biochemistry, and molecular immunology
- An professional work environment that promotes a healthy research culture
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jennifer Vandooren, tel.: +32 16 32 22 95, mail: jennifer.vandooren@kuleuven.be.
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