PhD Student in Neuroimmunology, Hasselt University, Belgium

Research at the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED, Hasselt University) focuses on disease mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the development of new therapeutics for this neuro-inflammatory disease. The group uses various modern technologies in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology and imaging to study immune system alterations and immune mediated damage of oligodendrocytes during MS.

Recent data show that immune responses in the CNS are not merely detrimental but also have protective effects e.g. by producing neurotrophic factors such as neurokines. The successful applicant will further investigate immune mediated neuroprotective mechanisms in MS. This project is part of a recently approved Methusalem Program called NEURONET. NEURONET brings together researchers from Hasselt University and Antwerp University (VIB) headed by prof. Christine Van Broeckhoven (UA) and prof. P. Stinissen (UHasselt) specialized in clinical neurology, neuropathology, neuroimmunology, genetics and genomics, cell biology, mouse models and therapeutics in the domain of neurodegenerative diseases.

Profile and diploma
The applicant should hold a master degree in life sciences e.g. medical sciences, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology or equivalent. Laboratory research experience is a definite plus (e.g. during the Master¢s dissertation). Applicants should have excellent communication skills and sufficient knowledge of Dutch and/or English. The candidate is highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Further information
Content job responsibilities:
* prof. dr. Niels Hellings, +32 11 26 92 68 niels.hellings[ at ]uhasselt.be
* prof. dr. Piet Stinissen, +32 11 26 93 03, piet.stinissen[ at ]uhasselt.be
* website of the Biomedical Research Institute: www.uhasselt.be/biomed
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden[ at ]uhasselt.be

Applications
Applicants must use the official application forms
* which are available at the Rectoraat of Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan - building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek (Belgium), phone +32 - 11 - 26 80 03
* or which can be downloaded here pdf-file / Word format.
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, November 5th, 2008.

Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs[ at ]uhasselt.be