Job Information
- Organisation/Company
- KU Leuven
- Research Field
- Neurosciences
- Researcher Profile
- First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Country
- Belgium
- Application Deadline
- Type of Contract
- Temporary
- Job Status
- Full-time
- Hours Per Week
- 38 hours/week
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
- Not funded by an EU programme
- Reference Number
- BAP-2024-209
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
- No
Offer Description
Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy belong to a broader family of brain disorders characterized by glial and neurodegenerative pathologies. The exact etiology of these diseases remains unclear, but recent studies suggest that oligodendroglial cells may be early contributors to the disease process of these brain disorders.
As a PhD student, you will be responsible for developing innovative oligodendroglial humanized cell and animal models. You will work with human induced pluripotent stem cells, which will be further transplanted into mouse models via xenotransplantation. This approach will enable the study of the role of human cells in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy.
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on the causes and treatments of neurodegenerative disorders, while developing your own skills and expertise in a stimulating research environment.
Keywords: Neurodegeneration, human pluripotent stem cells, xenotransplantation, alpha-synuclein, animal models, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease
Requirements
- Research Field
- Biological sciences
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
Additional Information
- A full-time PhD position for 1 year, with the possibility of extension
- PhD training in the KUL doctoral school
- Work and collaborate with internationally leading multidisciplinary teams with relevant experience and expertise
- Support with the application for an FWO grant (applying for an FWO grant is a condition)
- If an FWO grant is not obtained, further funding will be considered
- Competitive salary
- The candidate has a master's degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, bioscience engineering, biochemical sciences or a related discipline.
- Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is a plus
- Experience with animals is a plus
- Top 25 for grades obtained during Bachelor/Master
- The candidate is motivated to work with complex cell cultures and laboratory animal
- Excellent oral English communication and presentation skills are required
- Passion for research and sense of perseverance
- Critical mind with a great sense of initiative
- Good interpersonal skills
- Since the candidate must apply for a PhD scholarship, a master's degree obtained in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland is a requirement.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Wouter Peelaerts, tel.: +32 16 37 40 59, mail: wouter.peelaerts@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than 02/05/2024 via the online application tool
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- KU Leuven
- Country
- Belgium
- State/Province
- Vlaams Brabant
- City
- Leuven
- Postal Code
- 3000
- Street
- Leuven
- Geofield
Where to apply
- Website
Contact
- State/Province
- Leuven
- City
- Vlaams Brabant
- Street
- Leuven
- Postal Code
- 3000
- wouter.peelaerts@kuleuven.be