The Reproductive Physiopathology Research Pole (REPR) at UCLouvain (IREC, Brussels Woluwé) is looking for a PhD student to carry out a research project in the field of placental biology and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy.
Project
To conduct a doctoral thesis research project focusing on using the new HIF-2α inhibitors in treating severe placental dysfunction and associated consequences, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. This project will potentially involve the use or development of the following methods, depending on the background and wishes of the candidate:
• In vitro models based on cell culture: purification of primary trophoblast cells (gradient, FACS, MACS), spheroids, organoids, stem cells
• Pharmacodynamic studies: organ-on-chip, ex vivo placental perfusion, toxicity, LC-MS
• Molecular biology: RT-qPCR, cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis, transfection (siRNA, miRNA, adenovirus, CRISPR/Cas9), luciferase reporter assay, RNAseq, ChIPseq, RNAscope
• Protein analysis: purification, assay, electrophoresis, ELISA, western blot
• Cellular and tissue imaging, 2D and 3D: routine paraffin staining, phase contrast, live cells (Nanolive), epifluorescence and confocal, immunostaining, 3D fluorescence (Lightsheet), contrast-enhanced tomography (nanoCT)
Profile
• You have a master's degree in one of the following disciplines: biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, engineering, or biology
• You are certified in 'Science and Medicine of Laboratory Animals' (FELASA B) or are ready to acquire it
• You are experienced in using any of the in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo models or are an expert in one or several of the above methods
• You are interested in placental biology, bioinformatics, or pharmacology
• You are creative and motivated by the idea of integrating a new project with a high degree of freedom
• You are rigorous, well organized, and have a strong long-term vision of your objectives
• You are proactive in your work and anticipate potential problems
• You can communicate fluently in French and English, both orally and in writing
• You are versatile, autonomous, and able to integrate into a multidisciplinary and multicultural team that likes to celebrate failures and successes
Funding
The position is full-time employment open for 1 year with the possible extension of the contract. The candidate must apply to other funding bodies (FNRS, FRIA, FSR). Possible start date as early as October 1, 2023.
More information or want to apply ?
Contact Dr Arthur Colson (arthur.colson@uclouvain.be) with an attached academic CV, cover letter, reference letter(s), and list of any publications.