→ Apply before 03/10/2023 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Sciences
→ Department: WE07 - Organische en Macromoleculaire Chemie
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with a 4 year clause
→ Term of assignment: 4 jaar
→ Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)
→ Required diploma: Master
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 8,000 people, it
is actively involved in education and research, management and administration,
as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one
of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career
opportunities. With 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-
of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic
fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in
preparation of a doctoral dissertation
The OBCR group at the Ghent University Ghent has two open positions for
PhDs to strengthen our developments in the field of photo-electrochemical
sensors for detection of nucleic acid-based cancer biomarkers within the
interdisciplinary project SOCan. SOCan “A photo-electrochemical singlet
oxygen-based platform for the rapid detection of a panel of cancer
biomarkers in tissue and liquid biopsies” is a project involving six
research groups two at the University of Antwerp, two at Ghent
University and two at the University hospital of Antwerp. This
interdisciplinary project houses seven PhD students and five postdoctoral
researchers. The project aims to develop, optimize and validate a novel
photo-electrochemical detection technology for a panel of nucleic acid
cancer biomarkers. Hence, SOCan will pave the way for the construction of
affordable, robust, and user-friendly platforms for healthcare
applications, i.e. cancer diagnosis, follow-up and therapeutic management.
The overall goal of this PhD is the development of a novel photo-
electrochemical biosensing platform. Due to the integration of recognition
bio-elements such as modified DNA and PNA sequences, electrochemical
biosensors are ideally suited for the selective determination of a wide
variety of clinically relevant nucleic acid biomarker targets. The detection
of the nucleic acid biomarkers of interest will be achieved by specifically
designed DNA or PNA capture and detection sequences. This PhD will contribute
to the efforts of further optimizing the detection sensitivity and specificity
of the technology. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the
lab of Prof. Karolien De Wael (A-Sense lab, University of Antwerp) and Prof.
Guy Van Camp (Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp).
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Bioscience Engineering,
Pharmaceutical Sciences, or equivalent
Highly motivated, eager to learn and team-oriented
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
A creative and analytical mind
In view of the international context, mastering of the English language
(both oral and written) is mandatory
Essential
• Interest in PNA or DNA synthesis and peptide/nucleic acid-based diagnostic
probes
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research project
Ability to work collaboratively across different research groups and
fields of expertise
Ability to write research reports and manuscripts
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Of added value
Experience in peptide or oligonucleotide synthesis
Experience with mass spectrometry, HPLC analysis and purification,
structure analysis with NMR.
Experience with electrochemistry
Experience with photochemistry
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 4
years.
Your contract will start on 1/11/2023 at the earliest.
Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1. Click here for
more information about our salary scales.
All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a
wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday
leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual
fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a
complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application
deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications
that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
In the field ‘CV' : your CV and an overview of your study results
(merged into one pdf file)
In the field ‘Cover letter' : your application letter in pdf format
In the field ‘Diploma' : a transcript of the required degree (if
already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language
other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English,
please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
In the field “other documents” : two recommendation letters
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy,
everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Annemieke Madder
[email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email,
but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read
our FAQ or contact helpdesk ([email protected] - tel. 09/264 98 98)
