PhD Position in Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemperal Dementia University of Antwerp, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics
|
The Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group in the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp in Belgium is inviting applications for PhD projects in molecular genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia Project descriptionNeurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontal temporal dementia (FTD) are age-related disorders that are becoming more prevalent each year due to our increasingly elderly population. In the absence of a cure or preventive strategy, the number of dementia patients worldwide is projected to reach over 130 million in 2050. Our research aims to extend the knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in these disorders by an integrated approach of state-of-the-art molecular genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, clinical neurology and cell biology, supported by biobanking to drive molecular discoveries to diagnostic and therapeutic innovation. The PhD student will use 2nd and 3rd generation DNA and RNA sequencing strategies on samples derived from large well-documented national and international cohorts to identify novel genes or new mutation mechanisms in known genes involved in AD or FTD. Novel key genes and proteins are studied further to unravel the underlying biological pathways with the objective to identify key molecular events and therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration. Targets that define the onset of pathology will constitute prime markers for early diagnosis. The student will explore translation of novel findings into genetic, body fluid or neuro-imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. ContextThe VIB Department of Molecular Genetics is one of 8 research departments of VIB, in which near 100 researchers in 4 research groups, aim to understand the complex nature of human diseases of the central and the peripheral nervous system. The Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, has a long-standing expertise in the molecular genetics of dementia and related disorders, and has contributed significantly to the current knowledge of the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The research group has biomaterials such as DNA, lymphoblast cells, serum, plasma and brain tissue of large, homogeneous, and clinically extensively documented study populations. The VIB Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group is located at the University of Antwerp and is affiliated with the Institute Born-Bunge, a private research institute with a track record in clinical neurological and pathological research and with the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinarian Sciences. The VIB Department of Molecular Genetics has centralized facilities for high-throughput sample processing, genetic and genomic data production and analysis and microscopy. Through its affiliations, the department has further access to facilities with expertise in proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, structural biology, compound screening, and bio-informatics. More details on specific PhD projects can be obtained by contacting:
Profile and requirementsSuccessful applicants have:
How to apply?Applications including a motivation letter, detailed CV, names and contact information of 2 to 3 referees should be mailed to phd@molgen.vib-ua.be until the closing date 11 July 2016.
|
