Last Date: 15/01/2024.
Postdoc position is available in the group of Prof. Kathleen Freson at the Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology at KU Leuven for a project on inherited bleeding disorders (focus on platelets and endothelial cells) The lab is located on the Gasthuisberg campus of KULeuven in Leuven, Belgium, a rich biomedical research environment neighboring the University Hospital UZLeuven.
Responsibilities
Bleeding is controlled by interplays between platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. DNA variants in genes that encode for regulators of these three processes are known to cause inherited forms of bleeding. We however feel that bleeding of unknown aetiology is not diagnosed as we don’t screen in known laboratory assays for endothelial cell dysfunction or unknown regulators of bleeding present in plasma. Genes are not known for such dysfunctions and as such, the diagnostic rate for patients remains very low.
Still today many patients don’t receive a diagnosis even though their complete genome has been analysed and this is especially true again for patients with an unexplained bleeding disorder as we don’t understand their dysfunction and therefore, can’t pinpoint candidate genes and variants obtained in the analysed genomes.
In this project, we aim to address the shortcomings mentioned by the following approaches. 1. Plasma proteomics and RNAseq of patient-derived Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells (BOEC) will be obtained from patients an unexplained bleeding disorder to better understand their bleeding phenotype and next to explore their WGS data. 2. BOEC and a stem cell-based model for megakaryocyte and platelet production will be used to study genes discovered for bleeding disorders.
This project will provide novel insights in the biology underlying bleeding and especially the cell-based models will be of use for therapeutic discoveries in the future.
Profile
- The candidate must have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Physiology)
- A good publication record, with at least one paper in a higher-impact journal
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in research related to platelet biology and genetics
- Expertise in bioinformatics, microscopy and/or flow cytometry is an added value.
- Good communication skills in English.
- Can work independently to some degree
Offer
The current position is for 1 year, and you will be expected to apply for fellowships during that year.
The position can be extended, based on satisfactory progress in the first year.
Applications should include a CV, motivation letter, and references’ contact information relevant to your research or training.
Interested
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Kathleen Freson, mail: [email protected].
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