PhD position: exploring a shared upstream pathway as potential driver of ICU-acquired muscle weakness and adrenal insufficiency in prolonged critical illness

The selected candidate will conduct translational PhD research under the supervision of Prof. Greet Van den Berghe and Prof. Lies Langouche. You will join the Intensive Care Medicine Research Group, part of the department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium). We are a multidisciplinary, translational basic/clinical research team that combines a research laboratory with a large intensive care unit (ICU). This unique combination allows effective cross-talk between knowledge generated from patient studies and from animal and molecular studies in the laboratory.
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Project

Our research focuses on critical illness, caused by sepsis, complicated surgery or extensive trauma, causing impaired organ function to the extent that the patient would die shortly when not receiving intensive medical care. Although modern intensive care has reduced mortality, a large number of survivors continue to require such supportive care in the ICU for weeks or months. Lingering unresolving organ failure then becomes the main driver of poor short- and long-term outcome irrespective of the initial diagnosis upon admission. Research from our group has focused on two of these unresolved problems, namely ICU-acquired muscle weakness and ICU-acquired adrenal insufficiency, for which there is either no treatment or treatment.

This project will address the hypothesis that ICU-acquired adrenal insufficiency and ICU-acquired muscle weakness share upstream underlying mechanisms, pathways that are currently unexplored and that can be manipulated with the potential to reverse both problems together. We will test this hypothesis via an experimental and a clinical track. We will make use of our clinically relevant mouse model of intensive-care-supported critical illness to selectively target specific molecular pathways. For translational purposes, we will also use human plasma and tissue biopsies and extensive clinical data prospectively collected.

Keywords: Critical illness, sepsis, endocrinology, inflammation, metabolism

Profile

• We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, and creative person with a master degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology (or will obtain this degree in 2024)
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology
• Prior experience with general laboratory skills and animal work is a plus
• Preferably holder of a Felasa B or comparable certification
• Team player with good oral and written communication skills
• Fluid in English

Offer

• We offer a doctoral position for 1 year in an interdisciplinary environment.  After a positive evaluation, the position is prolonged with 3 years
• You will work in a translational multidisciplinary research team that is internationally recognized as the expert in research integrating Intensive Care Medicine and Endocrinology/Metabolism/Nutrition
• You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and will be registered in a specific program of the doctoral school

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Lies Langouche, tel.: +32 16 33 05 24, mail: lies.langouche@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Greet Van den Berghe, tel.: +3216344021, mail: greet.vandenberghe@kuleuven.be.

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