Job ID: 111785

Doctoral scholarship holder in vivo MR Imaging, pharmacology, and experimental & computational neuroscience in animal models of Huntington’s disease

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 15 June 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2023

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Antwerp

Country: Belgium

Institution: University of Antwerp

Department: Biomedical Sciences

Description:

Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences
Regime Full-time

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 Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%)

Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of in vivo MR Imaging, pharmacology, and experimental & computational neuroscience in animal models of Huntington’s disease

Position

  • You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in the field of biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and imaging.
  • This 4-year project seeks to assess the functional integrity of direct and indirect dopaminergic pathways in basal ganglia using relevant animal models of HD using a multidisciplinary approach including state-of-the-art (functional) MR Imaging, electrophysiology, behavioural testing, and post-mortem assessments.
  • You will write several high-quality scientific articles related to the research project and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.
  • You will carry out teaching and research support tasks for the Bio-Imaging Lab of the Department of Biomedical

Profile

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bio(medical) Engineering, Pharmacology, Medical physics, or related disciplines or you will have obtained it by the time you start the position.
  • You can demonstrate excellent study results.
  • Your teaching competencies 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.
  • You are fluent in written and spoken English.
  • You are a strong team player with the ability to succeed in a dynamic international environment.
  • Balance bench and data analysis work independently, creatively, and efficiently.
  • You have a FELASA B/C attest for animal research or are willing to obtain one.
  • Hands-on training/experience with in vivo experimental neuroscience, neuroimaging, and/or familiarity with science-related coding platforms will be highly valued.
  • Excellent communicative skills are considered a plus.

What we offer

  • We offer a full-time (100%) 4-year fully funded doctoral scholarship.
  • The doctoral scholarship will start with a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed yearly for up to 4 years.
  • A dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international work environment with state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
  • The four-year scholarship aims to provide students with multi-disciplinary training in conducting research at the interface of biomedical imaging, computational and experimental neuroscience including the use of rodents to advance our understanding of Huntington’s disease pathophysiology.
  • The expected start date is to September/October 2023 or shortly after that period.
  • 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, an 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 15 June 2023 (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
    • an academic CV
    • two letters of recommendation.
  • The selection committee will review all the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. We anticipate scheduling interviews with the selected candidate around the last week of June 2023.
  • 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. Daniele Bertoglio, PI at the Bio-Imaging Lab, daniele.bertoglio@uantwerpen.be or Dr. Elisabeth Jonckers, core facility manager MICA-Bio-Imaging Lab, elisabeth.jonckers@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.