Postdoctoral Positions - Metabolism and Cancer : Leuven, Belgium

VIB is a non-profit research institute in life sciences. About 1,400 scientists conduct strategic basic research on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the functioning of the human body, plants, and microorganisms. Through a close partnership with four Flemish universities − UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel − and a solid funding program, VIB unites the forces of 74 research groups in a single institute. The goal of the research is to extend the boundaries of our knowledge of life. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB translates research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients and contributes to new economic activity. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology.

Job Description

The Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular link, headed by Prof. Peter Carmeliet, is looking for highly motivated, creative and enthusiastic PhD students to join their team of international researchers.

The focus of the lab is to characterize the regulation of cell metabolism and to determine the role of metabolism during the process of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, plays a crucial role in numerous diseases, including cancer. Inhibiting the formation of vessels within the tumor (anti-angiogenic therapy) has emerged as a promising anti-cancer strategy. Clinically approved anti-angiogenic drugs offered prolonged survival to numerous cancer patients. Unfortunately, monotherapy with the current available anti-angiogenic agents often results in the development of treatment resistance. Thus, novel strategies are needed to block tumor angiogenesis via alternative mechanisms. The tight interaction between blood vessels that provide metabolic substrates, and the tumor cells that utilize them, leads to the obvious link between metabolism and angiogenesis, surprisingly this has not been studied so far. Recent studies from the lab revealed that targeting endothelial metabolism could be a possible alternative therapeutic strategy for anti-angiogenic therapy. In this perspective, we are aiming to investigate several metabolic pathways in different models of angiogenesis.

Successful candidates will be involved in this research project, under the direct supervision of Prof. Carmeliet and motivated postdoctoral fellows. Working in the team of Prof. Carmeliet will offer the candidate the opportunity to acquire experience in molecular and cellular biology, transgenesis, in vivo animal models and state-of-the-art research tools including: Metabolic Flux Analysis (MFA) and metabolomics (incl. GC- and LC-mass spectrometry).

We offer a dynamic working environment, stimulating scientific surrounding in a young, enthusiastic, motivated team (with English as main language) and the opportunity to work on high-impact projects. To meet the increasing demands of performing multidisciplinary research, VRC offers Core facilities including: Imaging, Molecular Biology, Metabolomics, Histology, Aquatic facility (zebrafish & tadpoles), transgenesis and mouse facility, etc.

Profile

• ​Applicants should hold a Master degree in biomedical sciences, bio-engineering, medicine or any related discipline.
• Motivated students of all nationalities with a strong commitment to basic and/or clinical research are invited to apply.
• Any experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, cancer/metabolism, etc. is an advantage.
• The candidate should have well-developed social skills and be able to work in a team.
• Interest in the field of cancer and metabolism will be an additional asset.
• Applicants should have good communication skills in spoken and written English (proven knowledge of English is required, TOEFL test).