Doctoral scholarship holder biomedical sciences

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 Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Biomedical Sciences.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis on cell plasticity in glioblastoma.
  • Short description: Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggresive brain tumor that is typified by high heterogeneity, extensive infiltration, and cell state plasticity. Building on our pioneering cell biological work (*), we aim to expose a novel therapeutic entry point by focusing on the vulnerability and resilience of the cell nucleus in this devastating cancer type. To this end, we will molecularly dissect a panel of patient-derived glioblastoma cells of varying aggressiveness and study their infiltrative capacity in cerebral organoids using cutting edge microscopy technologies, available through our internationally recognized core facility (https://www.acam-uantwerpen.be). For this project, there will be close collaboration and exchange with teams in Belgium, France and Norway.
    * De Vos et al., 2011 (https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddr344); Robijns et al., 2016 (http://doi.org/10.1038/srep30325); Houthaeve et al., 2017 (https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00029.2017); Molenberghs et al., 2024 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-024-05194-3)
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/celw/)

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Bio-)medical Sciences, Biochemistry, (Bio-)Physics, Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, Medicine or equivalent, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Experience with techniques such as cell culture, genome engineering, fluorescence microscopy and bioinformatics is recommended.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is October 1st 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 Campus Drie Eiken 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 August 12th 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
• 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 contact Prof. Winnok De Vos (winnok.devos@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.