Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “exploring the therapeutic potential of perinatal cell SECRETomes”

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Departement: Vaccin & infectieziekten instituut
Regime Voltijds

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The Laboratory of Experimental Hematology in the Faculty of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Exploring the therapeutic potential of perinatal cell SECRETomes” within the context of the recently approved Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) SECRET.

Position

• Hosting Research Group: You will be working as PhD researcher in the NeuroInflammation and Regeneration Research Group of the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology under supervision of prof. Peter Ponsaerts. https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/staff/peter-ponsaerts/
• Background: Neuroinflammation is a common feature of many neurological disorders, whose main players are activated microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating peripheral immune cells. From an experimental point of view, the study of neuro-inflammation, as well as the pre-clinical validation of novel immune-modulatory and regeneration-inducing therapies, is commonly performed in rodent animal models. As such, our laboratory has a long-lasting experience with the cuprizone (CPZ) mouse model of neuro-inflammation, -degeneration and -regeneration. Hereto, using a multidisciplinary approach we now rely on an extended analysis toolbox, including magnetic resonance imaging, bioluminescence imaging, gene delivery, histological analyses, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics, to study – dependent on the research question – several cellular and molecular processes related to neuro-inflammation, -degeneration and -regeneration in an in vivo context. As such, it is clear that deep phenotypic, molecular and functional profiling of the rodent brain using a complementary toolbox of state-of-the-art techniques is essential within the SECRET consortium to perform in-depth studies with regard to the regenerative properties of perinatal cell-derived secretomes in pre-clinical in vivo studies.
• Objective: In this PhD project, you will apply the cuprizone mouse model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different perinatal cell-derived secretomes in terms of immunomodulatory and/or neuro-protective/regenerative capacity. To investigate this topic, you will contribute to the development of a novel drug delivery system for perinatal cell-derived secretomes and apply our continuously expanding CPZ mouse model interrogation toolbox, including magnetic resonance imaging, histological analyses, transcriptomics and proteomics, to study in vivo therapeutic benefit. Additionally, you will extend our analysis with profound metabolomics (incl. lipidomics) studies.
• Expected results: These studies should: (i) allow the candidate to perform a unique integrative characterisation study of the CPZ mouse models using complementary magnetic resonance imaging, histological analyses, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics (incl. lipidomics), (ii) allow the candidate to perform in-depth studies with regard to the therapeutic mode-of-action of perinatal cell-derived secretome(s) upon delivery using a newly developed drug delivery system, and (iii) allow the SECRET consortium to identify the most potent perinatal cell-derived secretome(s) to be applied in future human clinical trials.    
• Secondments: Proteomic and metabolomic (incl. lipidomic) analyses on murine brain tissue will be performed during a secondment at the Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) at the University of G. d'Annunzio Chieti (Italy) under supervision of prof. Piero Del Boccio and prof. Damiana Pieragostino. Contribution to the development of a drug-delivery system for perinatal cell-derived secretomes will be performed during a secondment at the Institute of Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics at the University of Minho (Portugal) under supervision of prof. Rui Reis and dr. Ricardo Pires.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, (Bio)Medicine, Bio-engineering, or an equivalent discipline or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You have not resided in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (and not have carried out your main activity - work, studies, etc. - in Belgium).
• 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 are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Expertise with small animal care/surgery and/or magnetic resonance imaging and/or multi-omics analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics and/or metabolomics) will be highly appreciated. 

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of three years (funded by MCSA-DN SECRET; Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable) + one year (funded by the BOF of the University of Antwerp; the monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.)
• Preferred starting date March 1^st, 2025 (or soon thereafter).
• 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 January 9^th, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments in pdf format:
  • a motivation letter
  • your CV
  • a 2-page summary of your master thesis
  • a transcript of your study results
  • the names and contact details of two references.
• 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 (exact date will be discussed upon availability).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact prof. Peter Ponsaerts. (peter.ponsaerts@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.