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Postdoc Position - Cellular Immunology and Autoimmunity: Hasselt, Belgium
Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. On the one hand, we are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms. On the other, we are creating tangible results for the benefit of society.
Based on a close partnership with four Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of 74 research groups in a single institute.
VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into new economic ventures which, in time, lead to new products that can be used in medicine, agriculture and other applications.
VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.
More information: www.vib.be
Description
We are interested in mechanisms of how immune system imbalance leads to human disease. Our group focuses on the role of specific immune cells in this process, in particular on the interplay of anti-inflammatory CD4+ regulatory T cells and pro-inflammatory CD4+ effector T cells. Here, our major interest lies in the understanding of the processes that lead to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or are related to metabolic- and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. To study these processes, we use a translational approach, combining the analysis of human samples and the use of experimental model systems by various immunological and molecular biology state-of-the-art techniques.
Currently we focus on the following topics:
- Environmental factors (e.g. nutrition, microbiota) influencing the immune cell balance and disease (for overview: Manzel et al., Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014, Jö rg et al., Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016).
- Plasticity of CD4+ T cell subsets in health and disease (for overview: Kleinewietfeld et al., Semin Immunol. 2013 & Immunol Rev. 2014).
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team. He/she will be investigating the immune cell balance and the interplay of genetic and environmental factors and its relation to human disease. The position may also involve oversight/supervision of technicians and/or undergraduate and graduate students.
Hasselt University belongs to the "Transnational University Limburg" (TUL; UHasselt, Belgium and Maastricht University, Netherlands) and is located in the heart of Europe, with cities such as Brussels, Liège, Aachen (Germany) and Maastricht (Netherlands) in close proximity.
Profile
The ideal candidate has:
- a PhD and/or MD degree in a relevant field.
- a strong track record and excellent technical skills.
- a strong background and experience in murine animal models of disease and cellular immunology and molecular biology techniques.(Felasa B/C certificate to work with animals is required). Experience with murine and human CD4+ T cells, and experience with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or humanized mouse models is a plus.
- excellent communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- fluency in written and spoken English.
How to apply?
http://www.vib.be/en/jobs/Pages/Postdoc-Position-Cellular-Immunology-and-Autoimmunity.aspx
Don't forget to mention Naturejobs when applying
Job details
Employer:VIB
Website:http://www.vib.be
Location:VIB Laboratory of Transnational Immunomodulation, UHasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
Expires;October 15, 2016
Job type:Postdoctoral
Salary:Unspecified
Qualifications:Unspecified
Employment type:Unspecified
Job hours:Unspecified