As part of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network “INFLAME”, the Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology (Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences) of the University of Antwerp is looking for:

Early Stage Researcher (PhD student, m/f, 100%) in the field of Molecular Toxicology

Description

Mechanistic profiling of flame retardants (FRs) in general systemic stress and endocrine disruption . At UA, the candidate will evaluate the stress-related and endocrine disruptive mechanisms of toxicity of FRs present in indoor air and dust. For this purpose, a battery of targeted in vitro systems is implemented (e.g. E. coli, MCF-7, HepG2, H295R). In this way, not only a fast screening of the stress-inducing and endocrine disruptive activity of the samples, but also a more in depth evaluation of the mode of action of relevant FRs is provided. A combination of proteomic and flow cytometric techniques will allow a comprehensive mechanistic and cell physiologic profiling of FRs that complements the genomics and metabolomics approach. Based on the mechanistic profiles obtained from pure compounds, interesting new biomarkers can be derived. Target FRs will be selected based on their relevance for human exposure.

Profile

·         You are either an EU citizen or from outside the EU (subject to relevant immigration formalities), who has spent less than 12 months in the host country in the last three years (e.g. to be eligible for this position, applicants must have spent less than 12 months in Belgium over the last 3 years).

·         Fluency in oral and written English is required.

·         You have a MSc degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or an equivalent discipline.

·         You must also be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research careers. This is measured from the date when the Master degree was obtained, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in Belgium.

·         You are willing to learn working with in vitro cell cultures and to take additional training courses

·         You have a strong interest in scientific research

·         Equal consideration will be given to female or male applicants. The Marie Curie programme also encourages the participation of applicants returning to research after a career break.

We  offer

·         A research fellowship for a period of 1.5 years, including social security, on the scholarship provided by the Marie Curie Training Network “INFLAME”. As part of this network, the position offers excellent networking and training opportunities, including short research stays and visits to other network partner organizations.

·         The candidate will receive monthly mobility, yearly travel allowances, and a career exploratory allowance.

·         The successful applicant will be expected to register for a PhD at the University of Antwerp.

·         Starting date is negotiable, yet as soon as possible.

Interested?

·         Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date on July 15^th 2013.

·         More information about the application form can be obtained from Ellen Huijer (TEL 00323 265 31 45) or Robin Wynants (TEL 00323 265 31 41)

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Dr. Ronny Blust (Ronny.Blust@ua.ac.be) or Prof. Dr. Steven Husson (Steven.Husson@ua.ac.be)

The Faculty of Sciences is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancies in the Department of Biology

Three PhD positions in the field of aquatic ecotoxicology and physiology

Introduction

Aquatic organisms experience stress when external stressors like temperature changes, suboptimal nutrition and toxicants, moves them away from their optimal physiological conditions. Although biological and ecological responses to a diversity of single stressors have been studied across different levels of organization (molecular to community level), organisms mostly experience combinations of multiple stressors in real-life (e.g. combinations of toxic pollutants (mixture toxicity); food scarcity and a shift in temperature, etc…).

Objectives

The overall scientific goal is to investigate the effects of single and multiple stress conditions in aquatic systems across multiple levels of biological organization and to study to what extend “biomarkers” at molecular, physiological or behavioral levels can be predictive for aversive effects at higher levels of organization in an as early stage as possible. Within this framework it will also be explored whether responses are additive, synergistic or antagonistic and can be predicted on the basis of single stressor effects.

PhD Subject domains

·         Assessing organismal physiology and behavior upon exposure of zebrafish to (neuro)endocrine disrupting compounds

·         Integrative “omics” approaches (peptidomics, proteomics and transcriptomics) to investigate molecular changes caused by aquatic pollutants

·         Bioaccumulation and mode of action of metals in zebrafish under mixture exposure scenarios

Profile and requirements

·         Master in sciences (or equivalent) obtained with distinction or higher

·         Eligible for a PhD in a Flemish University

·         Motivated to act on a high scientifical level and finish a PhD within 4 years

·         Responsible, creative in thinking and acting

·         Willing to work with laboratory animals (fish) and to acquire the necessary certification (Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations, Felasa)

Interested?

·         Start: July – October 2013

·         Duration 4 years – full time employment

·         Please contact Prof. Dr. Ronny Blust or Prof. Dr. Steven Husson before July 15th for further information

The Faculty of Sciences is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancy in the Department of Biology

Doctoral student in the area of Plant / Vegetation Ecology

Job description

·         You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of plant ecology, in particular with regard to the effects of climate extremes (extreme drought, heat, ….) on vegetations and ecosystems;

·         You contribute to teaching and research in the Department of Biology / Faculty of Sciences / research group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a master degree in Biology or in Bio-engineering, with a  special interest in ecology and or environmental studies;

·         You can submit outstanding academic results;

·         Also students in the final year of their degree can apply;

·         The focus in your teaching correspond to the UA educational vision;

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy(http://www.ua.ac.be/research) and you will actively participate in the practical courses of Plant Ecology and Physical Ecology;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, customer-oriented and cooperative;

·         Experience with ecological field studies is preferred.

We offer

·         A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;

·         The start date of scholarship will be October 1st, 2013;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment.

Interested ?

·         Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date July 10th 2013;

·         A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel;

·         More information about the application form can be obtained from Ellen Huijer (TEL 00323 265 31 45) or Robin Wynants (TEL 00323 265 31 41);

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Dr. Reinhart Ceulemans, +32 (0)3 265 22 56; reinhart.ceulemans@ua.ac.be

The Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry group (BMS) is a multidisciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry/Center for Proteomics (Faculty of Sciences) at the University of Antwerp/Belgium. We are looking for a highly motivated

PhD student

Description:

The BMS group (Prof. Frank Sobott) recently received funding for a collaborative center which will investigate dynamic protein structures and interactions by different spectroscopic techniques.
The collaboration involves groups from different departments which use mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy and biochemical/biophysical characterization to investigate “Protein structures in 4D” of biomedical interest.

You will be developing the experimental methods further, in particular based on mass spectrometry, and collaborate with the other groups and work on a variety of aspects of protein characterization. You will also prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Protein Mass Spectrometry/Structural Biology, and contribute to teaching in the Sciences.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a master’s degree in Chemistry or Physics, or perhaps Biochemistry; students in the final year of their degree can also apply;

·         You ideally have some prior experience in either mass spectrometry, (bio)physical chemistry, spectro­scopy or structural biology;

·         You have a strong interest in applying these techniques to molecules of biological interest;

·         You can manage your own research and submit outstanding academic results;

·         You can communicate well in English (written and spoken);

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy ( http://www.ua.ac.be/research );

·         You are prepared to apply for external funding of your project via Belgian funding bodies;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.

We offer

·         A doctoral scholarship for an initial period of 1 year, which can be extended to 4 years after a positive evaluation;

·         An exciting project at the interface of Physical and Life Sciences, in an international and multi-disciplinary context;

·         The start date of the scholarship will be October 1^st 2013, or at an earlier date as agreed;

·         A very competitive monthly salary;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment;

·         Life in an attractive, international city at the heart of Europe.

Interested?

·         Applications to be submitted online;

·         Include your curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and the names and contact information for at least two references;

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please feel free to contact Prof. Frank Sobott (frank.sobott@ua.ac.be).

The Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry group (BMS) is a multidisciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry/Center for Proteomics (Faculty of Sciences) at the University of Antwerp/Belgium. We are looking for a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher

Description:

The BMS group (Prof. Frank Sobott) develops and uses methods based on native mass spectrometry and ion mobility to investigate large noncovalent assemblies of (bio-)molecules. Current topics in-clude protein conformational studies and the assembly, architecture and dynamics of DNA-regulating enzymes. We also develop and modify instrumentation in collaboration with manufacturers. The lab has a Synapt G2 (with ETD) and a high-mass Q-Tof2 and will acquire a customized Synapt G1 for the purpose of this project.

The Center for Proteomics has recently been established as a collaborative platform at the University of Antwerp. It comprises several groups which work in the areas of LC-MS analysis and proteomics. The Center has a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, including an Orbitrap Velos (with ETD and FAIMS), 4800 MALDI TOF/TOF, triple quad and ion trap instruments, as well as Nanomate inlet devices, 1D and 2D LC/nano-LC, and extensive bioinformatics support.

The candidate will be employed to lead efforts in a large, EU-funded collaboration on the structure and assembly of histone-regulating enzyme complexes, using non-denaturing mass spectrometry and ion mobility approaches.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a PhD in Chemistry or Physics, or perhaps Biochemistry;

·         You have prior experience in biological mass spectrometry;

·         Knowledge of (bio)physical chemistry, spectroscopy or structural biology would be a bonus;

·         You can manage your own research and submit outstanding academic results;

·         You can communicate well in English (written and spoken);

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy (http://www.ua.ac.be/research);

·         You are willing to apply for an independent postdoctoral fellowship;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.

We offer

·         An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year, with a possibility for extension of 2 years;

·         An exciting project at the interface of Physical and Life Sciences, in an international and multi-disciplinary context;

·         The date of appointment will be as soon as possible;

·         A very competitive monthly salary;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment;

·         Life in an attractive, international city at the heart of Europe.

Interested?

·         Applications to be submitted online;

·         Include your curriculum vitae, publication list, a motivation letter and the names and contact information for at least two references;

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please feel free to contact Prof. Frank Sobott (frank.sobott@ua.ac.be).

2 predoc positions in the field of quantitative X-ray computed tomography for food processing

Description:

The Vision Lab ( http://www.visielab.ua.ac.be/ ) is a dynamic research group of the physics department at the University of Antwerp. The Vision Lab has unique expertise in the development of tomographic image reconstruction, processing and analysis methods.  Application domains are Computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Electron Tomography.

The current position involves the development of 1) discrete tomography and 2) neural networks for X-ray computed tomography in food processing.

Your profile:

·        You have a master degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Applied sciences;

·        You have a strong background in mathematics and interest in scientific research;

·        You have profound programming skills in C++ and/or Matlab;

·        You have excellent communication skills (English);

·        You want to work in a team of researchers on the topic of model based image reconstruction.

Our offer:

·        An exciting research trajectory towards a PhD;

·        Multidisciplinary research: cooperation with academic research groups (Univ. Antwerp, KU Leuven, Amsterdam)  and industrial partners;

·        Top-computer infrastructure;

·        Competitive salary

Applications:

Interested candidates are invited to send

·        A motivation letter

·        A detailed CV (including followed courses, grades, previous work, publications,  …

·        Contact info of at least two references

to Karen Dierckxsens  ( karen.dierckxsens@ua.ac.be ) with Prof Sijbers ( jan.sijbers@ua.ac.be ) in copy.

Prof. Dr. Jan Sijbers

University of Antwerp

Universiteitsplein 1

Campus Drie Eiken, N.1.13

B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium

Email: jan. sijbers@ua.ac.be

http://visielab.ua.ac.be/staff/sijbers/

Postdoc position in the domain of theory of quantum systems

Project

The research group ‘theory of quantum and complex systems’ (TQC) has an open postdoc position on quantum liquids of exciton-polaritons. Exciton-polaritons are quasi particles in semiconductor heterostructures that combine good coherence properties with strong interactions. Because of these favorable properties, they are an ideal laboratory system for the study of bosonic quantum gases. Thanks to our collaborations with experimental laboratories, our predictions can be tested in practice.

Group

TQC is a research group in the department of physics at the University of Antwerp with large expertise in the domain of solid state physics, quantum gases and quantum liquids. The research activities range from superconductivity over atomic gases to quantum liquids of electrons in Helium bubbles and exciton-polaritons.

Requirements

The candidate for the positions must have a phD in physics, a background in theoretical physics, in the field of quantum optics, quantum gases or solid state physics. The researcher is expected to be open to discussions and collaborate with the other members of the group.

Contract

One year with the possibility for prolongation up to three years.

Additional information

Additional information on the job opening can be obtained from Prof. Dr. M. Wouters, tel: +32 3 265 24 80, michiel.wouters@ua.ac.be , CDE.N018.

You can apply by email ( michiel.wouters@ua.ac.be ), with the application you will provide a curriculum vitae.

T he University of Antwerp is seeking to fill the following vacancies (m/f) at the DepartmentBiology-Ethology of the Faculty of Sciences:

2 PhD students in Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology

Job description:

Although birdsong is a classic example of a sexually selected trait, individual song traits have often been studied in isolation and/or during a limited period during life. In our project we will adopt an integrative approach to study the causes and consequences of song behaviour in a great tit population in which males are being studied throughout life. Observational data and field experiments will be used to examine the fitness consequences of individual variation in all aspects of song (while simultaneously also considering other sexual traits). Particular attention can/will be paid on:

·         the links between song traits, personality and cognitive skills;

·         the role of song in intersexual communication, including movement behaviour during the dawn chorus (telemetry…)

·         the effects of pollution (for instance light pollution..) on song expression

·         the physiological basis of variation in song expression

A partly similar research program will be developed for blue tits (wild) and European Starlings (captivity).

Profile and requirements:

We are looking for enthusiastic persons interested in behavioural and evolutionary ecology, with good organizational skills, able to work independently as well as in a team, who would like to take this opportunity to combine field with experimental work in a well-equipped research group. Candidates should have a MSc in Biology or a related field.

Desirable: Fieldwork experience, and experience with birds or animals; bird ringing experience; full driving license; good knowledge of theory and research methods in behavioural, evolutionary ecology.

We offer :

• The possibility to join a dynamic and expanding group of researchers working on all 4 major aspects of animal behaviour (causation, development, function and evolution) and to learn many new techniques

• Freedom in developing your own research interests

• An initial 1-year contract, extendable for up to 4 years following a positive evaluation

• The positions should yield a Ph.D. degree of the University of Antwerp

• The positions will be filled as soon as possible

Interested?

Please send all application material including 1) your curriculum vitae 2) a brief (250 words) summary of your reasons for applying and 3) a letter of reference as single PDF-file as soon as possible to marcel.eens@ua.ac.be .

Further information can be obtained from: Marcel Eens, marcel.eens@ua.ac.be,phone +32 32652284, see also http://www.ua.ac.be/marcel.eens

Post-doctoral position in particle physics phenomenology

The particle physics group of the University of Antwerp is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of QCD phenomenology.

The main topic of research of the group is the experimental study of fundamental interactions at large accelerators such as the LHC at CERN.  The group is however seeking to enlarge its activities to more theoretical/phenomenological studies, complementary to its experimental programme.  The candidate will have to conduct high quality and independent research and should contribute to the coaching of students doing a master or doctoral study in particle physics.

The position is available for an initial period of 1 year, with a possible extension of up to 3 years.  Ample computing facilities and a supporting research environment are available to the candidate.

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent to Pierre Van Mechelen.  More information about the position can be obtained at the same address.  The preferred method to apply is via e-mail, but applications are also accepted by regular mail at the following address:

Prof. Pierre Van Mechelen
Departement Fysica
Universiteit Antwerpen (CGB)
Groenenborgerlaan 171
2020 Antwerpen
Belgium

E-mail: Pierre.VanMechelen@ua.ac.be
Tel.: +32-3-265-3573
Fax.: +32-3-265-3318