PhD Student – Genetics: The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, located in Antwerp, Belgium, is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on the genetics of epilepsy. The selected candidate will utilize computational and statistical approaches to analyze large multi-omics data. The research will be conducted within the Weckhuysen team, known for its pioneering work in gene discovery and mutation analysis, using advanced sequencing techniques and disease modeling to gain insights into the genetic causes of intractable epilepsy.
Table:
| Designation | PhD Student – Genetics of Epilepsy |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Genetics of Epilepsy |
| Location | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Type | PhD |
| Positions | 1 |
| Starting Date | As soon as possible |
| Application Deadline | (apply as soon as possible) |
Job Description:
- Project: The project focuses on the genetics of epilepsy, a common and chronic brain disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The goal is to understand the genetic underpinnings of epilepsy, particularly in cases that are resistant to standard treatment. The research combines innovative approaches, such as long-read whole genome sequencing, whole genome methylomics, and transcriptomics, to identify novel genetic causes of the disease. Cell-free DNA analysis is also employed to uncover unique methylation patterns and somatic mutations contributing to epilepsy.
Your Profile: The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:
- Essential Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, (bio)statistics, computer science, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in verbal and written English.
- Strong ability to extract and summarize data from literature and define research objectives.
- Passion for science, self-motivation, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit.
- Desirable Qualifications (but not required):
- Programming experience, preferably in Python or R.
- Experience with data analysis and working in a Linux environment.
- Familiarity with large-scale data, including genomics and transcriptomics data.
- Experience with workflow management systems like Snakemake or Nextflow.
- Willingness to learn and apply machine-learning approaches.
What We Offer:
- A versatile and challenging role in a vibrant world-class research environment with international reach.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- A dedicated training program to enhance your expertise and skill set.
- A doctoral scholarship for one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three-year period following positive evaluations.
- During the doctoral scholarship, you will be encouraged to submit and defend an innovative project at the FWO (Research Foundation – Flanders) to obtain a personal fellowship. Please review the eligibility criteria before applying for this position.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through the VIB online application tool. Ensure that your application includes the following:
- A detailed CV, including a list of previous experiences.
- A letter of motivation explaining your interest in the research and your aspiration for this PhD position.
- The names and contact details of three references.
For additional information, please contact Tejasvi Niranjan at tejasvi.niranjan@uantwerpen.vib.be.
For more details about the research center, you can visit the Weckhuysen Lab’s website.
Official Website: Please check the official website of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology for further information and potential updates related to this position.
Until position filled
The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is committed to promoting diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds to create an inclusive research environment.
