VIB is a non-profit research institute in life sciences. About 1,300 scientists conduct strategic basic research on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the functioning of the human body, plants, and microorganisms. Through a close partnership with four Flemish universities − UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel − and a solid funding program, VIB unites the forces of 83 research groups in a single institute. The goal of the research is to extend the boundaries of our knowledge of life. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB translates research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients and contributes to new economic activity. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology.
Currently no treatments are available that can cure neurodegenerative dementias nor slow their progression. With an anticipated 115 million dementia patients by 2050, more effective therapies are urgently needed. Early-onset dementia is a fatal neurodegenerative dementia occurring in mid-life. Although EOD is relatively rare (onset age <65 years, empirical prevalence 10%), the genetic breakthroughs that were realized in studying families with early-onset Alzheimer disease in the late 80’s - early 90’s, and more recently in families with frontotemporal lobar degeneration are at the basis of our understanding of the disease biology of these neurodegenerative brain diseases and form the foundation of current drug development strategies.
Our research builds on two major research strategies: early-onset dementia genetic research and translational biobanking. The early-onset dementia research aims to contribute to the elucidation of the missing heritability of dementia by focusing on extreme phenotype patients in terms of early onset or high familial load. Study of these high-genetic load patients combined with the latest next-generation sequencing and -omics technologies should lead to the discovery of new genetic factors for dementia, both causal genes and disease modifiers. With translational biobanking we build upon our existing biobank for neurodegenerative brain disease. We invest in the systematic collection of wide ranges of human samples from thoroughly characterized research participants to allow genetic findings to be translated to patient-derived material, such as body fluids for biomarker studies and brain material for expression or epigenetic studies. Through this integrated approach we aim to facilitate the translation of genetic breakthroughs into biologically and clinically relevant approaches towards improved diagnostics, genetic counseling, and therapy of both early- and late-onset dementia.
The aim of this PhD project will be to extend our knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in dementia and neurodegeneration by an integrated approach of state-of-the-art molecular genetics, genomics, neuropathology and cell biology applied on early-onset dementia. In the first phase of the project, the PhD student will identify novel early-onset dementia genes using massive parallel next-generation sequencing strategies. Once identified, the student will study the function and pathological dysfunction of these novel genes in context of the disease pathology. The student will further explore translation of novel findings into genetic, body fluid or neuro-imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. The student will also be involved in managing extensive patient databases holding phenotype and biosample information linked to generated genetic, biochemical and neuro-imaging data.
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| Education Backgrounds: |
Biomedical Science Chemical Engineering |
| Specialties: |
(Bio) Chemistry Biomedical Engineering Molecular Bioengineering |
| Education Level: |
Postgraduate (Masters) |
| Experience: |
0 - 2 years 2 - 5 years 5 - 10 Years |
| Languages spoken: |
English |
| Job Location: | Antwerp, Belgium |
Type: Job
Deadline: 26th April 2014
Job reference (ID): 7251
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