Are you passionate about revolutionizing dental health? Join our interdisciplinary network at KU Leuven, consisting of the OMFS-IMPATH research group, the SIEM division at the Department of Materials Engineering (MTM), and the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology at the Rega Institute. The OMFS-IMPATH research group relates to the development and validation of surgical tools and image-based solutions to advance in oromaxillofacial surgery, with an ultimate aim to obtain an optimized treatment outcome while minimizing the peri- and postsurgical risks, such as neurovascular trauma. The SIEM division at MTM aims to design new biomaterials that enable an improved therapeutic outcome for a variety of biomedical applications. Current research at the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology at the Rega Institute focuses on posttranslational modification of CXC and CC chemokines converting these inflammatory mediators into receptor antagonists, as well as on synergistic interactions between chemokines to enhance leukocyte migration.
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Project
About the Project:
We are pioneering an interdisciplinary approach to transform dental root tissue replacement. Our proposed strategy focuses on creating multi-material scaffolds with immunomodulatory properties to treat dental tissue loss in children and adolescents. This innovative project addresses a significant challenge in oral health, particularly pediatric tooth loss, and aims to overcome the current limitations of existing tissue engineering strategies.
Your Role:
• Research and Development: As a Ph.D. student, you will conduct scientific research within the described project and follow the doctoral program to obtain a doctorate. The focus will be developing immunomodulatory scaffolds, testing the interplay between biomaterials, immune cells, and dental stem cells in vitro, and conducting in vivo testing in mouse and rat models.
• Teaching Support: You will contribute to teaching efforts, including supervising master's theses.
Profile
• Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Dentistry, or Medicine, with at least one honors degree.
• You have a profound interest in bridging the gap between engineering and biomedical sciences and, hence, are willing to broaden your field of expertise in related assessment techniques.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Basic immunology, histology, or in vivo testing knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of cell culture and molecular techniques.
• Proficiency in Excel and statistical analysis.
• Critical thinking and fluent writing style.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with strong initiative and motivation.
• Capability to carry out doctoral research under supervision.
Offer
• A research position in an international and dynamic interdisciplinary working environment with the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, typically a 4-year trajectory. (renewable 1-year contract)
• An attractive salary package complemented with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.).
• Several occasions to develop your scientific and personal skills. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for Ph.D. candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/phd).
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is in Leuven, a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km) and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry lead to a safe town with a high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch-speaking people, and ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some ingredients, that make the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe. Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/kuleuven/.
OMFS IMPATH Research Group
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Reinhilde Jacobs, reinhilde.jacobs@kuleuven.be or dr. Mostafa Ezeldeen, mostafa.ezeldeen@kuleuven.be
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