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The multidisciplinary 3D-MMAP team from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), that combines expertise from two muscle labs (Pneumology lab and Stem Cell Institute) and the clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory at the KU Leuven, is offering a PhD-position in the field of muscle cell biology.
The PhD project is part of the interdisciplinary 3D-MMAP project (3D-Macroscopic and microscopic Muscle Architecture in cerebral Palsy) dealing with the integration of macroscopic and microscopic muscle properties with cell modeling to feature neuromuscular symptoms in children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is the single largest cause of childhood physical disability. It is caused by a brain lesion that results in impaired muscle function progressing with age. Most treatments for cerebral palsy children are directed at the muscle but are hindered by insufficient knowledge on the pathogenesis of altered muscle growth in these children. There is thus an urgent need to understand the alterations that occur in the muscle of children with cerebral palsy, in particular the early events after the brain lesion and their evolution with age would be helpful to optimize treatment.
In this project, we will compare the microscopic muscle properties of (1) children with cerebral palsy and healthy children at different ages following a cross-sectional approach and (2) young children with cerebral palsy following in a longitudinal study design. For that purpose, we are collecting muscle samples of two different muscles using the sonographically guided percutaneous needle microbiopsy technique. The PhD project will involve collection and handling of the muscle biopsies, performing the analysis of the muscle samples and interpreting the results in relation to the clinical symptoms.
Measurements include:
The position will be based at University of Leuven (KU Leuven), where the candidates will be enrolled in the Doctorate Program in Biomedical Sciences. The candidate has a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Rehabilitation Science, human movement science, or any related discipline. Any relevant experience in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, cell isolation and culture, is an advantage.
Qualification: Motivated PhD candidates with a strong commitment to basic and/or translational research are invited to apply. The candidate is eligible to apply for a personal PhD grant (FWO aspirant). The candidate should have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English. The candidate is a team player, with an open communication style a problem-solving attitude and critical mind set and is proactive and result-driven. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training will be required, either before or after enrollment in the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School.
The position adheres to the European policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Both men and women are encouraged to apply.
PhD position: We offer you a full-time doctoral fellowship position for one year, which will be extended for another 3 years after positive evaluation. Official starting time is preferably March or April 2019. You will work in a dynamic and stimulating scientific environment together with an enthusiastic team of young researchers at a top-ranked university. As part of your PhD program, you will receive advanced training in a broad range of techniques related to muscle biopsy analysis, genomics and chromosome biology. You will enroll in the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School within, KU Leuven, Belgium (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/phd) and will receive a competitive salary in accordance with the KU Leuven scales for PhD students.
You will participate in an interdisciplinary project that involves collaboration with several departments of the KU Leuven and the University Hospitals. You will have the opportunity to participate at national and international meetings, to embark on academic teaching, and to visit other research groups for scientific training or networking.
To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (by February 17), using the following link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/54984875), and by confirming by email to Karen Maes (karen.maes@kuleuven.be) and Kaat Desloovere (kaat.desloovere@kuleuven.be)
The position is available immediately and will last until filled.
Please include:
For more information please contact:
dr. Karen Maes, tel.: +32 16 37 74 57, mail: karen.maes@kuleuven.be
or
Prof. dr. Kaat Desloovere, tel.: +32 16 33 80 09, mail: kaat.desloovere@kuleuven.be.
The PhD project is part of the interdisciplinary 3D-MMAP project (3D-Macroscopic and microscopic Muscle Architecture in cerebral Palsy) dealing with the integration of macroscopic and microscopic muscle properties with cell modeling to feature neuromuscular symptoms in children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is the single largest cause of childhood physical disability. It is caused by a brain lesion that results in impaired muscle function progressing with age. Most treatments for cerebral palsy children are directed at the muscle but are hindered by insufficient knowledge on the pathogenesis of altered muscle growth in these children. There is thus an urgent need to understand the alterations that occur in the muscle of children with cerebral palsy, in particular the early events after the brain lesion and their evolution with age would be helpful to optimize treatment.
In this project, we will compare the microscopic muscle properties of (1) children with cerebral palsy and healthy children at different ages following a cross-sectional approach and (2) young children with cerebral palsy following in a longitudinal study design. For that purpose, we are collecting muscle samples of two different muscles using the sonographically guided percutaneous needle microbiopsy technique. The PhD project will involve collection and handling of the muscle biopsies, performing the analysis of the muscle samples and interpreting the results in relation to the clinical symptoms.
Measurements include:
- Histology staining and immunohistochemistry with immunofluorescence on muscle slice, quantification with a fluorescence microscope
- Gene and protein expression on muscle homogenate using general molecular biology techniques (RNA and protein extraction, qRT-PCR, western blot, ELISA assays),
- Isolation and culture and characterization of the satellite cells with determination of their behavior and gene and protein expression (immunofluorescence on culture fixed with paraformaldehyde and qRT-PCR/western blot on cell supernatant)
The position will be based at University of Leuven (KU Leuven), where the candidates will be enrolled in the Doctorate Program in Biomedical Sciences. The candidate has a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Rehabilitation Science, human movement science, or any related discipline. Any relevant experience in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, cell isolation and culture, is an advantage.
Qualification: Motivated PhD candidates with a strong commitment to basic and/or translational research are invited to apply. The candidate is eligible to apply for a personal PhD grant (FWO aspirant). The candidate should have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English. The candidate is a team player, with an open communication style a problem-solving attitude and critical mind set and is proactive and result-driven. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training will be required, either before or after enrollment in the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School.
The position adheres to the European policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Both men and women are encouraged to apply.
PhD position: We offer you a full-time doctoral fellowship position for one year, which will be extended for another 3 years after positive evaluation. Official starting time is preferably March or April 2019. You will work in a dynamic and stimulating scientific environment together with an enthusiastic team of young researchers at a top-ranked university. As part of your PhD program, you will receive advanced training in a broad range of techniques related to muscle biopsy analysis, genomics and chromosome biology. You will enroll in the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School within, KU Leuven, Belgium (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/phd) and will receive a competitive salary in accordance with the KU Leuven scales for PhD students.
You will participate in an interdisciplinary project that involves collaboration with several departments of the KU Leuven and the University Hospitals. You will have the opportunity to participate at national and international meetings, to embark on academic teaching, and to visit other research groups for scientific training or networking.
To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (by February 17), using the following link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/54984875), and by confirming by email to Karen Maes (karen.maes@kuleuven.be) and Kaat Desloovere (kaat.desloovere@kuleuven.be)
The position is available immediately and will last until filled.
Please include:
- An academic CV together with a PDF of your diplomas and transcript of course work and grades
- A motivation letter
- A sample of technical writing, e.g. an abstract of a paper with you as a main author or an abstract of your master thesis (max 1 page) and
- A list of at least two references and contacting information (phone number and email address).
For more information please contact:
dr. Karen Maes, tel.: +32 16 37 74 57, mail: karen.maes@kuleuven.be
or
Prof. dr. Kaat Desloovere, tel.: +32 16 33 80 09, mail: kaat.desloovere@kuleuven.be.