Scholarships Source

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

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Content job responsibilities:
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prof. dr. Piet Stinissen, +32-11-26 92 04, piet.stinissen@uhasselt.be
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prof. dr. Veerle Somers, +32-11-26 92 02, veerle.somers@uhasselt.be
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prof. dr. Luc Michiels, +32-11-26 92 31, luc.michiels@uhasselt.be
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fax +32 11 26 92 09, website: www.biomed.uhasselt.be
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Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@uhasselt.be

Application
Applicants must use the official application forms

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which are available at the Rectoraat of Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan - building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek (Belgium), phone +32 - 11 - 26 80 03
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or which can be downloaded here pdf-file / Word format.

The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, November 5th, 2008.

Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.