Postdoctoral Researcher - Decipher The Multifactorial Aspects of Fibrosis Through Multimodal Nanotechnology Platforms

What you will do

We are looking for a researcher for Life Sciences Unit. Tissue and organ regeneration is a process that is finely tuned through the interaction of cellular and molecular events. When successful, it leads to healthy regeneration and restoration of the organ or tissue, and it’s function. When the regenerative process fails, it leads to scar tissue formation, fibrosis, which can cause malfunction leading to disease or even death. To understand failed regeneration, animal models provide a reliable environment where complex tissue interactions can be studied in a native in vivo environment at specific time points. However, many of these can be studied dynamically and in more detail by complex in vitro microphysiological (MPS) systems.

Imec’s MPS are microfluidic chips where multiple cell types can be combined with the aim to mimic a human organ in a specific context. This is particularly interesting for detailed mechanistic studies related to the early onset of fibrosis or further disease progression and/or resolution. Here, a specific focus is intended on the immune system and how dysregulation affects different cell-populations in the local environment. This postdoc is aimed to implement next generation sequencing (NGS) data from spatial omics experiments in pre-clinical models, in the development of MPS as a powerful tool to emulate complex disease mechanisms by using human cells in dynamic environments. Specifically, obtained NGS data will after analysis be implemented as crucial biological input into imec's MPS platforms, that use integrated electrodes for the dynamic monitoring of tissues and cells at the single cell level. The candidate will develop innovative assays on imec's MPS platforms combined with novel measurement techniques to manage our understanding regarding tissue fibrosis and resolution.

Responsibilities:

• Work well on your own and in a collaborative fashion,
• Design creative experiments, carry out experiments as described,
• Supervise and guide students, write research papers and relevant grants,
• Interpret and apply research findings to new research projects.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of an excellent 2-year scholarship.

Who you are

• PhD in biomedical engineering, bioengineering or relevant field
• Basic knowledge/experience in cell culture, in vitro models and computational analysis of omics data.
• Self-motivated, innovative, results driven.
• Enthusiastic and “always improving” mentality.
• We appreciate your open mind and multi-disciplinary attitude.
• You speak and write English fluently.