比利时疼痛及神经免疫博后职位

Our research group focuses on the neuro-immune interaction in the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease. In particular, we obtained evidence for abnormal function of submucosal neurons in biopsies of patients with abdominal pain, associated with sensitization of nociceptors like TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPA1. We showed that mast cells and their mediators are responsible for TRP channel sensitisation both in humans and in a preclinical murine model. In this project, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between mast cell mediators and visceral afferents is further studied while the hypothesis of antigen-mediated mast cell activation is evaluated, again both in human and preclinical models. Moreover, new targets and pathways involved in visceral hypersensitivity will be explored. The candidate will be part of a team working on this topic. As part of a clinical gastroenterological unit, a close interaction with clinicians guarantees access to patient material and fast translation of new findings to the clinic.
 

Responsibilities
The applicant will be responsible for
· 1 – the daily supervision of the experiments, PhD fellows and master students
· 2 – organisatory tasks within TARGID
· 3 – the design of new research projects and/or study protocols
· 4 – apply for research grants, including post-doctoral fellowships such as FWO and Marie-Curie fellowship
· 5 – the contact with other research groups within TARGID and the KUL and other national and international groups

Profile
We are looking forward to applications from highly motivated and experienced (1-3 years) biologists / biochemist / bioengineers / biomedical scientists / pharmacists or MDs.
Applicants should have completed a PhD in gastrointestinal physiology, preferentially on neuronal and/or pain physiology and/or neuroimmune interaction.

Offer
We offer a 2 years full time postdoctoral position (start end 2016 – early 2017) with the possibility of extension in a challenging and well equipped research environment with excellent research facilities. The salary will be in accordance with the University salary scales for post-doctoral researchers. The applicant is expected to apply for external fellowships such as a FWO or Marie-Curie fellowship.