Researcher-expert Experimental and Computational Neuroimmunology

Background
The faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences contributes to sustainable solutions for health-related issues as part of the civic Hasselt University. The faculty focusses on excellence in education and research and connects with society through a strong collaboration with our partners. Starting from continuous attention for quality and innovation, the faculty is a breeding ground and magnet for talent with an open view on society, from the region to the world.

The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at Hasselt University is a highly interactive and well-equipped multidisciplinary institute where both fundamental and applied research is performed to better understand the disease processes of (auto)immune, neurological and cardiac disorders.

Within this stimulating environment, we are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our team.
 

Job content
In our research group, we have established two main research lines: (i) the identification, validation and functional characterization of new autoantibody biomarkers and (ii) the study of the pathological B cell contribution to multiple autoimmune and neurological disorders. Within the context of the first research line on autoantibody biomarkers, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a research project in which the biological role and prognostic potential of new and existing autoantibodies will be investigated in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. In a first experimental part, the biological role of recently identified new autoantibody biomarkers for SCI will be studied in disease processes. In a second part, a panel of new and existing biomarkers will be developed for the prognosis of traumatic SCI by implementing both experimental and bioinformatics tools.
To this end, we make use of patient-derived plasma samples, cells, tissues and data, but possibly also an animal based in vivo model. We seek a motivated postdoctoral researcher who complements the expertise within our research group by combining biochemical techniques (antibody reactivity by ELISA, affinity purification of human antibodies, proteomics, immunohistochemistry) with computational techniques for biomarker panel development. Besides doing high quality research, you will supervise PhD and master students, manage technicians, be responsible for new project applications and teaching.

Profile

• You have a PhD in (bio)medical sciences (immunology, neurosciences) or equivalent. Alternatively, you have a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics or equivalent with experience in experimental wet lab work.
• You have a proven track record with publications relevant to the research topic.
• Preferred expertise in neuroimmunology, biomarker analysis and programming using R/Python.
• You are able to work independently on a research project.
• You have excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills in English and Dutch.
• You have good problem-solving skills.
• You show initiative.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as Researcher-expert.
We offer a 2-year contract, with the possibility of extension with a third year. Hasselt University offers a competitive stipend and benefits package to its employees.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 21 August 2024.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. Veerle SOMERS, +32-11-269202, veerle.somers@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. Judith FRAUSSEN, +32-11-269270, judith.fraussen@uhasselt.be

For questions about the selection procedure, please email jobs@uhasselt.be.