Doctoraatsbursaal Trombo-inflammatie bij hemodialyse: van mechanisme tot cardiovasculaire uitkomst (100%)

About the role

As a doctoral fellow, you will conduct research within a joint PhD project at the Limburg Clinical Research Center (LCRC, UHasselt) and the University of Antwerp, towards the preparation of a doctoral thesis in the field of biomedical sciences. You will work on an innovative translational research project aimed at mapping thrombo-inflammatory processes in dialysis patients. The goal is to better understand the exceptional cardiovascular risk of these patients and contribute to improving care for kidney patients. The project is a close collaboration between the Nephrology department of the Oost-Limburg Hospital, led by Prof. Dr. Line Heylen, and the lab of Prof. Dr. Frederik Denorme at the University of Antwerp. Within this translational doctoral project, the interaction between 'bench' and 'bedside' centers is central: clinical observations and problems are translated into experimental research settings to uncover underlying mechanisms. These findings are then re-examined in the clinical context and correlated with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. The project builds upon a prospective longitudinal cohort study that has been running since 2022 within the LCRC. This cohort currently includes more than 200 hemodialysis patients who are being followed up multiple times per year with extensive evaluations of hemostatic markers and clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Investigate which factors determine the dysregulation of coagulation in dialysis patients, how this dysregulation evolves over time, and its association with cardiovascular events, vascular access issues, and mortality. Utilize advanced longitudinal analytical techniques.
• Study the impact of the dialysis procedure itself on thrombo-inflammation. Using ex vivo experimental research setups, conditions of dialysis are replicated, with particular attention to shear stress, blood platelet-neutrophil interactions, and extracorporeal circulation in immune thrombosis.
• Work independently on your research project under the guidance of your supervisors, formulate new research questions, and further develop your scientific expertise.
• Engage in seminars, doctoral training programs, and other educational activities to enhance your competencies.

Requirements

• A master's degree in medical, biomedical sciences, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a comparable degree.
• Also, recent graduates can apply. The candidate must have such a degree at the start of the doctoral program.
• Driven and committed to dedicating four years full-time to a research project and publishing the research results in scientific articles.
• Passionate about the topic and interested in all aspects of translational research.
• Excellent academic performance.
• Evidence of scientific publications and/or other proofs of scientific expertise are advantageous.
• A strong interest in data and motivated to acquire practical laboratory skills and apply them.
• Willing to participate in research in both Antwerp and Genk and able to adapt to opportunities at both locations.
• Collegial and capable of working effectively in a team environment.
• Acting correctly and ethically, both academically and in interactions with colleagues and patients.
• Promoting a positive workplace culture.
• Flexible and resilient, able to function efficiently in situations subject to change.
• Willing to engage in applying for external funding and meet the requirement to apply for a personal doctoral scholarship (e.g., from national funding organizations like the FWO).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in medical, biomedical sciences, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a comparable degree.
• Commitment to conducting a doctoral project for four years.
• Strong interest in data and willingness to learn and apply practical laboratory skills.
• Ability to work in both Antwerp and Genk.
• Collegiality and teamwork skills.
• Proactive and accurate approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to apply for external funding and apply for a personal doctoral scholarship.

Skills

• Advanced analytical skills.
• Practical laboratory skills.
• Data analysis skills.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Initiative and proactiveness.
• Attention to detail and structure.
• Ability to engage in external funding applications.

Benefits

The position offers a two-year contract, extendable for two years, provided there is a positive evaluation. The benefits include:

• Stimulation, multidisciplinary, and challenging research environment with high flexibility, autonomy, and support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within and outside the involved research groups, formulate new research questions, and further develop your scientific expertise.
• Participation in seminars, doctoral training programs, and other educational activities to enhance your competencies.
• Doctoral education at UHasselt and the University of Antwerp, within a joint PhD program.

Pay

The pay for this position is as a Doctoral Fellow.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and adaptable to opportunities at both Antwerp and Genk.

Benefits

The benefits include:

• Stimulation, multidisciplinary, and challenging research environment with high flexibility, autonomy, and support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within and outside the involved research groups, formulate new research questions, and further develop your scientific expertise.
• Participation in seminars, doctoral training programs, and other educational activities to enhance your competencies.
• Doctoral education at UHasselt and the University of Antwerp, within a joint PhD program.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and adaptable to opportunities at both Antwerp and Genk.

Benefits

The benefits include:

• Stimulation, multidisciplinary, and challenging research environment with high flexibility, autonomy, and support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within and outside the involved research groups, formulate new research questions, and further develop your scientific expertise.
• Participation in seminars, doctoral training programs, and other educational activities to enhance your competencies.
• Doctoral education at UHasselt and the University of Antwerp, within a joint PhD program.

How to Apply

To apply, send your application to line.heylen@uhasselt.be or frederik.denorme@uantwerpen.be. For questions about the selection process, email jobs@uhasselt.be. UHasselt aims to welcome everyone to our university, feel at home, and make the most of their potential. The diverse talents of our students and employees form the richness of our society and are the driving force of our future prosperity. We focus on justice and non-discrimination and work together for a diverse and inclusive UHasselt. UHasselt does not accept any form of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, age, family situation or childcare responsibilities; disability or limitation; cultural, religious or life view; skin color, origin; socio-economic background or situation. Prof. Dr. Line HEYLEN - Faculty Member E-mail: line.heylen@uhasselt.be Prof. Dr. Frederik DENORME - Faculty Member E-mail: frederik.denorme@uantwerpen.be Return to the Vacancies Overview