Doctoral scholarship holder Novel surgical approaches for lung cancer

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The Department of Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of novel surgical approaches for lung cancer

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of novel surgical approaches for lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Patients with advanced lung cancer are treated with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.  We and others have demonstrated that isolated lung perfusion (ILuP) is a technique that is able to deliver high doses of chemotherapy specifically to the lung by using a closed lung bypass circuit but with minimal systemic exposure. This was also confirmed in phase I and phase II clinical trials by our group in which surgical resection was combined with ILuP. With this new project which is sponsored by 'Kom op tegen kanker', we want to further improve this technology as a repetitive endovascular technique in preparation for new human clinical trials. To this end, a series of porcine, and humane ex-vivo experiments will be performed to assess the optimal dose and conditions to selectively administer chemotherapy to the lung alone. A cutting-edge surgical model will therefore be optimized and combined with molecular and imaging tools such as CT, microCT, histopathology, RT-PCR and mass spectrometry.

• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in biomedical sciences, veterinary medicine or medicine, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Previous experience with animal experiments especially pigs is considered a plus

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2022 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus 3 Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 31 August 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV including at least one reference contact person
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof dr Jeroen M.H. Hendriks, head of the department of Thoracic and Vascular surgery via email: jeroen.hendriks@uza.be

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.