A PhD student (f/m/x) in biomedical & pharmaceutical sciences
Votre mission
A four-year PhD opportunity in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences is available in the framework of an ARC (Actions de Recherche Concertées) project granted by the Walloon-Brussels Federation. The PhD candidate is expected to actively take part to this project, which covers interdisciplinary aspects brought by experts in biomedical, chemical and medical sciences, which are crucial for the development of a confident pharmacological compound.
Title of the project: Targeted therapy, diagnosis, and delivery of THERANOstic agents to Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (acronym: THERANOATC)
Abstract:
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) represents one of the most lethal cancers in humans. The targeted therapy developed here aims the upstream inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis of cancer cells with an original therapeutic peptide (TP). A vectoring peptide (VP) specifically delivers TP to the cancer cells via EGFR targeting after coupling them in a peptide complex that induces apoptosis. Aiming to limit the contact of TP with healthy cells and thus its potential in vivo toxic effects, the present project entails enclosing TP within lipid vesicles, rendered paramagnetic (coupling of a gadolinium chelate) or fluorescent [coupling of a Near Infrared (NIR) dye] for the non-invasive monitoring of drug delivery and of the therapeutic success by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or by fluorescence life-time imaging (FLI). Our method employs active targeting through VP to amplify specific drug delivery to ATC cells. This approach strives to achieve a balance between efficacy against tumors and minimized toxicity to healthy cells, addressing a critical aspect in the development of safe and effective cancer therapies and enabling a theranostic application.
Consistent with the complex diagnostic and therapeutic requirements of the TC and especially of the ATC pathology, the present project has several main objectives: (1) The in vivo validation of the innovative ATC targeted therapy; (2) Design of theranostic tools combining the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into complex nanosystem technologies dedicated to the monitoring of ATC therapeutic success by molecular imaging; (3) Assessment of eventual toxic effects produced by the novel therapeutic and theranostic agents.
Vos responsabilités
The candidate is expected to conduct research, write reports and articles, and give oral presentation in (inter)national conferences
Special knowledge:
Cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, oncology, pharmacology
Votre profil
Required diploma:
- Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or
- Master’s degree in Biology or
- Master’s degree in Pharmacy
Work experience:
Familiar with in vitro (cell culture, Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, ELISA …) and in vivo (manipulation of laboratory animals) techniques
Required qualifications:
- Dynamism, rigor, efficiency, initiative and autonomy
- Hard worker, excellent time management skills
- Certificate of animal handling is preferred, but it can be acquired locally
- Responsibility, high levels of motivation, respect of work ethic
- Teamwork, a sense of listening and service to the community
- Practical sense and discretion
- Excellent communication skills in English and French
Notre offre
A fixed-term full-time contract for a period of 4 years.
Intéressé(e) ?
Required documents for application:
- A motivation letter, the CV, two letters of recommendation, copy of the diploma and marks record (for the 5 years of university studies) must be sent in PDF format to Prof. Carmen BURTEA by email (Carmen.Burtea@umons.ac.be) at the latest before 01.12.2024.
Recruitment procedure:
- The selected candidates will be interviewed before eventual recruitment.
UMONS aims to be a diverse and inclusive community. Job vacancies respect the principle of non-discrimination and the recruitment procedure guarantees fair treatment of applications regardless of the gender, presumed race or ethnic origin, social origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation or political opinions of applicants.