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The Arthritis Research Unit of the Laboratory for Skeletal Development and Joint Disorders at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the role of biomechanical stress in the development of chronic arthritis.
Background:
The research team of Prof. Rik Lories has a major interest in mechanism of tissue homeostasis and remodeling in the context of chronic arthritis. Our team has demonstrated important roles for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling in ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing evidence also links these pathways to cell stress induced by biomechanical factors. In addition to our experience with different animal models of arthritis, including the development of new transgenic animals as well as different in vitro and ex vivo analysis, we have built collaborations with the team of Prof. Hans Van Oosterwyck in the Biomechanics section of the Mechanical Engineering department. His group focuses on the development of computational and experimental methods for the quantification of biomechanical signals and their relation to tissue regeneration. The student will work in a collaborative setup between both teams and within a national collaborative group including the teams of Prof. Dirk Elewaut and Prof Rudi Beyaert at Ghent University. To strengthen our research team, we are looking for an excellent motivated PhD student with a strong interest in both biology and engineering.
Environment:
The KU Leuven is located in the heart of Europe in the small historical college town of Leuven, about 30 km east from the nation’s capital Brussels. The city and the biomedical campus offer a vibrant international and young environment with a tradition of hospitality and a rich socio-cultural life. Good knowledge of English is sufficient for all communications both within and outside the research group.
The Arthritis Research Unit is a growing international team, currently composed of 11 researchers in which both MD and PhD profiles are welcomed. The Unit is part of the “Tissue growth, homeostasis and repair” basic science research cluster within the Department of Development, Growth and Regeneration. The project focused on the role of biomechanics in arthritis is part of a network setup with the above-mentioned teams and funded by the Institute for Science and Technology. The goal of the larger project is target identification for the development of new therapies in arthritis and therefore the research consortium has an international advisory board composed of experts from international biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Profile:
Candidates must qualify to obtain a PhD degree and be able to start their training in 2012. Experience with cell culture or molecular biology or with biomechanical engineering is as asset. Candidates must feel comfortable in crossing boundaries between disciplines. Candidates with degrees in bio-engineering are encouraged to apply. Funding is available for a full PhD track.
How to apply?
Please send a CV and a motivation letter including the names of 2-3 references by email to Rik.Lories@uz.kuleuven.be
More information:
Background:
The research team of Prof. Rik Lories has a major interest in mechanism of tissue homeostasis and remodeling in the context of chronic arthritis. Our team has demonstrated important roles for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling in ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing evidence also links these pathways to cell stress induced by biomechanical factors. In addition to our experience with different animal models of arthritis, including the development of new transgenic animals as well as different in vitro and ex vivo analysis, we have built collaborations with the team of Prof. Hans Van Oosterwyck in the Biomechanics section of the Mechanical Engineering department. His group focuses on the development of computational and experimental methods for the quantification of biomechanical signals and their relation to tissue regeneration. The student will work in a collaborative setup between both teams and within a national collaborative group including the teams of Prof. Dirk Elewaut and Prof Rudi Beyaert at Ghent University. To strengthen our research team, we are looking for an excellent motivated PhD student with a strong interest in both biology and engineering.
Environment:
The KU Leuven is located in the heart of Europe in the small historical college town of Leuven, about 30 km east from the nation’s capital Brussels. The city and the biomedical campus offer a vibrant international and young environment with a tradition of hospitality and a rich socio-cultural life. Good knowledge of English is sufficient for all communications both within and outside the research group.
The Arthritis Research Unit is a growing international team, currently composed of 11 researchers in which both MD and PhD profiles are welcomed. The Unit is part of the “Tissue growth, homeostasis and repair” basic science research cluster within the Department of Development, Growth and Regeneration. The project focused on the role of biomechanics in arthritis is part of a network setup with the above-mentioned teams and funded by the Institute for Science and Technology. The goal of the larger project is target identification for the development of new therapies in arthritis and therefore the research consortium has an international advisory board composed of experts from international biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Profile:
Candidates must qualify to obtain a PhD degree and be able to start their training in 2012. Experience with cell culture or molecular biology or with biomechanical engineering is as asset. Candidates must feel comfortable in crossing boundaries between disciplines. Candidates with degrees in bio-engineering are encouraged to apply. Funding is available for a full PhD track.
How to apply?
Please send a CV and a motivation letter including the names of 2-3 references by email to Rik.Lories@uz.kuleuven.be
More information:
