Within the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University, the
following position (m/f) is available:
PhD student in biomedical sciences (2x2 years) ‘Autoimmunity’: Biomarker
research in Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
(mandate MBW/2008/021-HO)
Background
The Biomedical Research Institute (www.biomed.uhasselt.be) is a
multidisciplinary research institute of the Hasselt University. 70 researchers
and technical personnel perform molecular and cellular biomedical research.
The research is focused on two main research domains: neuroinflammation and
development of biosensors (in cooperation with the Institute for Material
Research (IMO)).
Job description
The successful applicant will be involved in a research project entitled ‘New
diagnostic and prognostic antibody biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) and
rheumatoid arthritis (RA)’ of the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at
Hasselt University. This project is aimed at identifying a panel of new
molecular target antigens combined with existing target antigens selected on
MS with diagnostic and prognostic potency by using technological platforms
that allow for profiling the antibody reactivity to tissue antigens in these
diseases. The first goal is aimed at identifying new serum markers for MS and
RA by a systematic profiling of the humoral immune response using the powerful
molecular SAS technology. A second goal is aimed at studying the functional
relevance of the existing selected MS markers and new MS and RA serum markers
in relation to disease by studying their expression in diseased tissue and by
studying T cell reactivity to
these antigens. A third goal is aimed at developing a high throughput and
label free screening platform using phages expressing autoantigens or derived
peptide fragments to efficiently validate candidate markers in a large number
of patients. The candidate will work on the third goal of the project.
Profile and diploma
The applicant should hold a master degree in biomedical sciences,
bioengineering, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, or
equal). Students in their last master year can also apply.
Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* prof. dr. Piet Stinissen, +32-11-26 92 04, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
* prof. dr. Veerle Somers, +32-11-26 92 02, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
* prof. dr. Luc Michiels, +32-11-26 92 31, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
* fax +32 11 26 92 09, website: www.biomed.uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden,
011-26 80 80, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Application
Applicants must use the official application forms
* which are available at the Rectoraat of Hasselt University, Campus
Diepenbeek, Agoralaan - building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek (Belgium), phone +32 -
11 - 26 80 03
* or which can be downloaded here pdf-file / Word format.
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no
later than October 8th, 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the
following address: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
