PhD Position in Molecular Immunology : Ghent, Belgium

Interested to learn more about molecular mechanism of innate immunity and potential therapeutic applications?

Interested to work at VIB, a life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium, with more than 1400 scientists from over 60 countries?

Interested to get a prestigious EU funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship?

As partner in the European Training Network TOLLerant, consisting of 8 academic and 2 industrial partners representing 5 countries all across Europe and 3 associated partners (2 from Europe and 1 from USA), we are looking for a brilliant early stage researcher to join our group (starting August-September 2015 for 36 months, with possible extension). The multidisciplinary TOLLerant research network combines groups active in life sciences and cutting-edge chemistry, and is focused on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation/signaling and its therapeutic targeting.

We welcome applications of highly motivated and hard-working PhD candidates, able to work in a collaborative environment and exposed to multidisciplinary challenges. The candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school of Life Sciences and Medicine at Ghent University.

Job description:
The PhD research will focus on the study of molecular mechanisms of TLR4 induced immune responses and the characterization of the therapeutic effect of TLR4 modulators in cellular models and mouse models of human disease. The candidate will follow training programs organized by different partners of the TOLLerant network, which will provide PhD students with broad competences, experience and skills in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research related to molecular mechanisms of innate immunity. The project involves a series of secondments at academic partner labs in Italy, Spain, Germany and/or Slovenia, and in the labs of industrial partners in Spain and Italy. These industry partner labs will provide PhD students with entrepreneurship and company management skills, in order to enhance their later possible employment in the private sector.

Profile
· Have a diploma and/or Master Degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Bio-engineering, Pharmacy or similar life sciences.
· Have less than 4 years of research experience (measured from the time the Master degree has been obtained) at the signature of the contract.
· Not have a PhD already.
· Not have resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference recruitment date.
· Excellent knowledge of English language, spoken and written.
· Practical experience in molecular/cellular immunology and working with mice is an advantage.

Benefits
According to the MSCA-ITN rules of the Horizon 2020 program, 3.110 €/month (gross amount) + mobility and family allowances (if applicable), including social security and health benefits scheme….

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Employer:VIB

Website:http://www.vib.be/

Location:Ghent, Belgium

Expires:July 27, 2015

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Contract

Job hours:Full-time