Vesalius Research Center
Herestraat 49 box 912
B-3000 Leuven

phone +32 16 34 57 75
fax +32 16 34 59 90

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Postdoctoral Scientist

Group Leader : Peter Carmeliet
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Research Technician (full time)

Research Technician (full time)

Group Leader : Dietmar Schmucker
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PhD or Postdoctoral position in bioinformatics

Laboratoriumtechnoloog
Group Leader : Peter Carmeliet
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Postdoctoral Scientist - Group Leader : Peter Carmeliet

The focus of the Vesalius Research Center (VRC) is to unravel the molecular basis of neurovascular biological processes and diseases using functional genomic approaches and translate these genetic insights into novel medicine. There are two interconnected research directions, i.e. angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels) and neurobiology. Hypoxia signaling by oxygen sensors is a key process regulating both neuronal and vascular processes.

Position:
VRC has recently started up a research line to study metabolism and its interaction with the prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) oxygen sensors, which control the cellular hypoxic response. VRC therefore aims to establish metabolomics and proteomics as core expertise, including determination and identification of metabolites (intermediates of main catabolic and anabolic pathways) and proteins. The candidate is expected to independently set-up mass spectrometry (gas / liquid chromatography), including sample preparation and analysis / interpretation of data, and introduce novel related technology.

Profile:
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who is willing to join a team of international researchers that investigates the interaction between metabolism and hypoxia. Candidates must have a strong background in the use of mass spectrometry for metabolite determination and identification. Expertise in proteomics techniques is a strong extra added value. The candidate is expected to independently establish all necessary techniques, introduce new technology, coordinate ongoing collaborations, and instruct other scientists. Interested candidates should have obtained a PhD and experience as a postdoctoral researcher with a publication record in the metabolomics field. Starting date: as soon as possible.

We offer:
A dynamic working environment, a competitive remuneration package, a stimulating scientific surrounding in a young, motivated team (with English as main language), and long-term career opportunities. To meet the increasing demands of performing multidisciplinary research, VRC offers Core facilities including Imaging, Molecular Biology, Proteomics, Histology, Aquatic facility (zebrafish & tadpoles), mouse facility, etc.

Contact:
Applications for this position should be submitted to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please send a complete CV, a list of publications, a summary of past research and the contact information of 2 or 3 referees. Top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview in Leuven, Belgium.

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Research Technician (full time) - Group Leader : Dietmar Schmucker

The focus of the Vesalius Research Center (VRC) is to unravel the molecular basis of neurovascular biological processes and diseases using functional genomic approaches and, if possible, try to use these genetic insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies, and translate them into novel medicine. There are two interconnected research directions, i.e. angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels) and neurobiology.

You will be part of the new research group of Dietmar Schmucker whose research is focusing on the molecular recognition specificity and complexity of neural wiring.

Position:
For this Research Technician position we are seeking a highly-motivated candidate to assist in studies of neural development (in vertebrate and invertebrate animal model systems).
Characteristic duties include PCR, plasmid construction, cell culture, maintaining strains/microbial stocks, immunoblotting, and biochemical purifications.
Knowledge in antibody generation, handling and basic immunofluorescence applications is advantageous.
Good organizational and communication skills are essential. Our cutting-edge research requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and working hours will vary to meet deadlines in order to complete experiments and achieve project goals in a timely fashion.
Involvement and co-authorship on high-impact research papers is encouraged.
Similarly, learning of new techniques to broaden research expertise or participation at technique workshops will be supported.

Profile:
Bachelor degree or equivalent with at least 1 – 2 years previous laboratory experience is required;
Must have hands on experience with preparation of microbial media, gel electrophoresis, PCR, molecular biology and basic microbiology.

We offer:
We offer a dynamic working environment, a competitive remuneration package, a stimulating scientific surrounding in a young, motivated team with English as main language.

Contact:
Applications for this Research Technician position should be submitted to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (ref. DSc ATP1-102009).
For additional information on the vacant position you can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Research Technician (full time) - Group Leader : Dietmar Schmucker

The focus of the Vesalius Research Center (VRC) is to unravel the molecular basis of neurovascular biological processes and diseases using functional genomic approaches and, if possible, try to use these genetic insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies, and translate them into novel medicine. There are two interconnected research directions, i.e. angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels) and neurobiology.

You will be part of the new research group of Dietmar Schmucker whose research is focusing on the molecular recognition specificity and complexity of neural wiring.

Position:
For this Research Technician position we are seeking a highly-motivated candidate to assist in studies of cell-cell signaling, neural development and fly genetics.
Characteristic duties include PCR, plasmid construction, cell culture, basic genetics and generation of transgenic animals.

Good organizational and communication skills are essential.

Profile:
Bachelor degree or equivalent.
Candidates must have hands on experience with preparation of microbial media, gel electrophoresis, PCR, molecular biology and basic microbiology.

We offer:
We offer a dynamic working environment, a competitive remuneration package, a stimulating scientific surrounding in a young, motivated team with English as main language.

Contact:
Applications for this Research Technician position should be submitted to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (ref. DSc ATP2-102009).
For additional information on the vacant position you can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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A PhD or postdoctoral position in bioinformatics is available immediately - Group Leader : Diether Lambrechts

Job description:
The Vesalius Research Center (VRC) is part of the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and is located within the University of Leuven (Belgium). In the past, VRC has has focused its research activities on angiogenesis, cardiovascular research and oncology. Using various transgenic technologies (fruit fly, frog and mouse), the functional relevance of numerous gene products has functionally been addressed in VRC, and has already led to several scientific breakthroughs with promising therapeutic applications. Currently, VRC is seeking to expand its scientific activities and interested in identifying novel genetic causes of clinically relevant disorders. To this extend, state-of-the-art high throughput technologies are being used, including large-scale next-generation sequencing of DNA and RNA samples. One of the most exciting ongoing projects concerns the analysis of full genome sequencing data of tumor samples. However, to identify the numerous genetic variations present in these tumors, complicated downstream bio-informatics analyses at the genome-wide level are necessary. We are therefore working with specialized bioinformaticians for primary data analyses (sequence assembly, mapping of deletions, amplifications, tandem duplications, invertions and inter-chromosomal rearrangements, etc), the development of novel algorithms, and downstream validation experiments (prioritization of identified genetic variants through data fusion). Additionally, novel analysis methods for the identification of mutations in highly arranged tumor samples, and to account for tumor heterogeneity (multiple tumor clones) and infiltration of normal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts or myeloid cells) in the tumor should be developed. Therefore, we are currently seeking for an additional bioinformatician (postdoc or PhD level) to aid in the development of these novel tools or to adapt existing tools.

Requirements:
- you have a master’s degree in industrial engineering or a master’s degree in biological, biomedical sciences or bio-engineering, or you have obtained a PhD in the topics of genomics or bioinformatics;

- you have organizational and management skills, and you can inspire and motivate the team for work;

- you have good communication skills and can cooperate easily with the different team members ;

- you have passion for science and the motivation to work on an innovative and ambitious project in a open, dynamic and skilled team;

- you have experience with programming languages (such as Perl, Matlab or R).

Prefered skills:
- experience with SNP analysis and/or structural variation analyses;

- knowledge of Linux and SQL databases;

- basic system administration skills are considered a plus.

We offer:
- a fascinating work environment in which quality, professionalism and human contact are encouraged;

- the possibility to be at the start of a scientifically cutting-edge and socially relevant project;

- the opportunity to contribute to the optimalisation of the workflows in genetic and transgenic research in a young and dynamic team.

Starting date:
As soon as a suited candidate is found.

Contact:
Predoctoral candidates are invited to send in a short CV, postdoctoral candidates should accompany their CV with contact details for three qualified referees, a detailed list of publications and a brief research statement by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Laboratoriumtechnoloog - Groepleider : Peter Carmeliet

Het Vesalius Research Center is één van de 60 onderzoeksgroepen van het Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie en is gevestigd aan de KU Leuven – Campus Gasthuisberg.

De onderzoeksgroep van Prof. Peter Carmeliet focust op onderzoek naar ontwikkeling van bloedvaten (Angiogenesis) en zenuwen (Neurogenesis) en het verband tussen beide systemen (Neuro-Vascular Link). De resultaten van dit fundamenteel basis onderzoek, waarbij gebruik gemaakt wordt van kleine dierenmodellen zoals muis, kikkervis, zebravis en fruitvlieg, worden steeds geëvalueerd op hun potentieel voor medische behandeling van ziektes zoals kanker, neurodegeneratie ziekten, diabetes, hart - en vaatziekten.

Functiebeschrijving:
Je zal ingeschakeld worden in de Core Facility Genotypering. Hoofdzakelijk zal je meewerken aan het uitbouwen en opvolgen van transgene muizenkolonies, meer bepaald : kweek, verspeningen, koppelen en nemen van DNA-materiaal.  Bijkomend zal je ingeschakeld worden voor DNA-opzuivering, PCR, Southern blot analyse en electroforese.
Je zal zowel in teamverband als zelfstandig werken. Opleiding wordt voorzien.

Profiel:
Je hebt het diploma Professionele Bachelor in de Laboratoriumtechnologie of een gelijkwaardig diploma, of je bent gelijkwaardig door ervaring.
Je bent minimum in het bezit van een attest categorie A (dierenverzorger).
Ervaring in het werken met proefdieren en/of moleculaire biologie is een voordeel.
Je geeft blijk van teamspirit, verantwoordelijkheidszin, geduld en precisie, leergierigheid en grote interesse voor wetenschappelijk onderzoek .
Kennis van het Engels is onmisbaar in onze internationale onderzoeksgroep.

Startdatum: zo spoedig mogelijk

Biosafety beperking:
Omwille van besmettingen van de muizenkolonies, staat deze funktie niet open voor kandidaten die knaagdieren als huisdier hebben.

Contact:
Zend je CV en motivatiebrief met referentie ATP – GenoTyp naar This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Voor bijkomende informatie omtrent deze job kan je terecht op het nr 016/346 000.

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