Post-doctoral Position in Stem cell Biology

Function

We are looking for one highly motivated post-doctoral candidate, with Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology or genetics to join our research group in the Development Neurobiology Unit at the GIGA-Stem cells, Liège, Belgium (https://www.gigaldn.uliege.be/cms/c_4226711/en/gigaldn)

Missions

The discovery that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allows the generation of unlimited numbers of specific types of autologous cells. This discovery has fundamentally changed the stem cell field and gave new prospects for personalized medicine, drug targeting, and disease modelling. We have access to fibroblasts of patients with specific hereditary deafness, which will be converted into iPSCs, characterized, and differentiated into specialized inner ear cell types in vitro. Our goal is to decipher the mechanisms leading to deafness with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic approaches. To reach this aim, we have the following two objectives: 

1)            In vitro characterization of generated iPS cell lines from patients 

2)            Obtaining wild-type isogenic cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique 

This project is part of the European project Nanoear that aims to develop a novel nanoparticle-based pharmacologic strategy for treating deafness.

Profile

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, and interest and experience in molecular, cellular and/or computational biology would be an advantage. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required. Preference will be given to candidates with an excellent track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Work environment

GIGA is an interdisciplinary research center in biomedical sciences whose mission is advanced medical innovation. The institute encompasses more than 500 members (PI, senior researchers, post-doctoral scientists, thesis students, technicians) with expertise in medical genomics, in silico medicine, neuroscience, cancer, infection and immunity, and cardiovascular sciences. GIGA is the only Belgian research center directly integrated within a university hospital, making it a significant player in translational research where links between researchers and doctors are at the heart of the research activity.

To meet the increasing demands of performing multidisciplinary research, the GIGA offers Core facilities including advanced imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics/metabolomics, deep sequencing, and genome engineering, among others GIGA-Stem cells recently developed a platform fully equipped for iPS work. 

We offer

We offer comprehensive training in an innovative field of Neuroscience, a highly stimulating environment, and state-of-the-art laboratories featuring the latest cell reprogramming, inner ear cell differentiation, and genome editing technologies.

The candidate will have the opportunity to have an attractive 1-year post-doc grant with the possibility of 2 additional years. 

How to apply? 

Outstanding candidates should apply by email to Dr. Brigitte Malgrange (bmalgrange@uliege.be) include a CV, description of your specific interest in our research program, and contact information for two references.

Deadline for application: position available immediately.