Bedrijf
The scientific institute of Sciensano connects health, science and society and has more than 900 employees who are committed to the health of people and animals every day. As our name shows, science and health are at the core of our existence. Sciensano's strength lies in its holistic and multidisciplinary approach to health. Our attention focuses on the close and inextricable link between the health of people and that of animals, and their environment (the “One health” concept). That is why we combine multiple perspectives in our research to contribute to everyone's health in a unique way. Sciensano can build on the more than 100 years of scientific expertise of the former Center for Research in Veterinary Medicine and Agrochemistry (CODA) and the former Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV). For more information about our projects and activities: https://www.sciensano.be.
The Unit of Experimental Toxicology (UET) specializes in the assessment of genotoxicity and immunotoxicity of chemicals, nanoparticles and non-ionizing radiation through biological cell culture and mechanistic research, as well as applied laboratory and translational research. The UET is committed to improving the evaluation of potential toxicants of chemical or physical nature through the development of new approach methodologies with an emphasis on AI-driven imaging flow cytometry, high-content fluorescence microscopy & state-of-the-art organ-on-a-chip exposure systems. The UET strives to stimulate the transition towards next-generation risk assessment that uses less or no animals and is more relevant for human health.

Functiebeschrijving
Ph.D. positions to conduct the research project, titled ‘RADAR’: Renewable and safe aromatic compounds as replacements for substances of very high concern.
Bisguaiacols (BG)s are promising alternatives to Bisphenols (BP) in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (e.g. used in food packaging, can coating). The 3 major advantages of BG over BP are 1) reduced endocrine disruption, 2) production from biomass feedstock as a renewable resource, 3) synthesis by green chemistry, assisted by a recyclable, highly selective catalyst. As such, the development of BG is testimony to Belgium’s commitment towards a more circular economy. Replacement of BP with BG is complicated by data scarcity, particularly in toxicity endpoints, preventing a rationalized risk & health assessment.
RADAR is a joint proposal from University of Leuven and Sciensano, situated in an international consortium that aims to advance BGs through increasing Technology Readiness Levels. 1) As a cost-effective and Science-based strategy, RADAR will fill toxicological data gaps early in the development process by combining standardized tests and new approach methodologies with advanced omics. 2) RADAR will exploit the versatility of the BG scaffold to expand the BG portfolio guided by machine learning with improved prediction algorithms. 3) RADAR will investigate the acute and long-term impact of BG on aquatic ecosystems.
RADAR will deliver proof of concept of a genuinely Safe and Sustainable-by-design BG-based alternatives for BP. Moreover, the generated technology will reach beyond RADAR and contribute to the rationalized development of chemicals to avoid regrettable substitution.
At Sciensano, 3 Ph.D. positions are available within the RADAR project that will evaluate the genotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic properties of the BGs. The available test platform will be expanded with new in vitro test systems to increase accuracy. The students will combine the in-house Imaging flow cytometry (Cytek), the AI-driven high-content fluorescence microscopy (Metafer), and the Luminex Inteliflex for cellular m RNA & protein measurement with state of the art exposure systems in an organ-on-a-chip model (CN-Bio) and Omics.

Profiel

• Master's degree in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent, with at least a distinction degree.
• Profound interest in bridging the gap between engineering and biomedical sciences and willingness to broaden your field of expertise in related toxicity assessment techniques.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Knowledge of (stem) cell culture and molecular techniques.
• Previous experience with flow cytometry, Organ-on-a-chip, Omics, Bioinformatics or in vitro toxicology is an advantage but not a requirement for applying.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office package and statistical analysis with R.
• Critical thinking and fluent writing style.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with strong initiative and motivation.
• Open-minded, keen on working in a multicultural environment where inclusion and equality are important.
• Capability to carry out doctoral research under supervision.

Wij bieden

• Ability to deliver a direct societal impact on a more circular economy through the assessment of Safe & Sustainable design alternatives to bisphenols.
• A 4-year Ph D research fellow position in an international and dynamic interdisciplinary research environment with the opportunity to obtain a Ph.D. at a top-ranked university in collaboration with Sciensano.
• A competitive salary complemented with multiple benefits (Meal Vouchers, public transport, health insurance, laptop).
• Several possibilities to develop your scientific and personal skills. In addition to opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for Ph.D. candidates is provided in the framework of the Academic Doctoral School (to be selected).
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The UET is located at the Sciensano site at Ixelles, one of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium. 15 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport.
• Working hours and holidays that respect the balance between private and professional life.

Contact
Applicants can contact Dr. Davie Cappoen (contact details provided below), by email mentioning “Ph.D. RADAR” in the subject line to inquire for more details. Direct application is possible through the online platform for open positions at the website https://www.sciensano.be before the 10th of November 2024. To be considered, please provide in the online tool a motivation letter (mandatory), a full CV including a recent photograph and contact information of two references (mandatory).
Dr. Davie Cappoen: Davie.cappoen@sciensano.be