PhD Multiple sclerosis research

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The Faculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie, Department Observerende Klinische wetenschappen, is looking for a PhD-student with a doctoral grant. 

More concretely your work package, for the preparation of a doctorate, contains: 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition characterized by neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and demyelination. While these aspects are well-known, there’s an intriguing twist: reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) have emerged as a significant factor, even in the early stages of the disease. Traditionally, hypoperfusion has been attributed to reduced metabolic demands resulting from neuronal and axonal degeneration. However, the extent of CBF reduction surpasses what would be expected solely based on decreased neuronal activity. Enter transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a cutting-edge technique that has recently captured scientific interest. Our research aims to explore whether tDCS holds the key to slowing down MS progression before irreversible neuronal damage sets in. By enhancing CBF, tDCS offers a promising avenue—one that could transform the landscape of MS treatment. Join us in unraveling this exciting frontier and making a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by MS. Job description Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with multiple sclerosis? We’re seeking a motivated Ph.D. candidate to lead an exciting clinical study.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Organize and Lead: Take charge of planning and executing this groundbreaking study.
• Connect with Participants: Engage directly with individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, presenting the study and discussing their potential involvement.
• Behavioral Analysis: Dive into the behavioral outcomes of our research
• Collaborate with Experts: Work closely with our interdisciplinary team of engineers, neurologists, and neuroscientists

For this function, our Brussels Health Campus (Jette) will serve as your home base. 

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• You have recently obtained a master’s degree in (Bio)medical sciences.

   

• You have obtained excellent grades.
• You have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and are willing and able to collaborate closely with both engineers and neurologists.
• You have an interest in the anatomy and functioning of the brain
• You are able to work independently
• You have excellent communication skills (writing, presenting) in English.
• Knowledge of Dutch and French is required to enable communication with the patients.
• You will be encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed international journals

• You have not performed any works in the execution of a mandate as an assistant, paid from operating resources, over a total (cumulated) period of more than 12 months.

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

You’ll be offered a full-time PhD-scholarship, for 12 months (extendable up to max. 48 months, on condition of the positive evaluation of the PhD activities), with planned starting date 01/10/2024. 

You’ll receive a grant linked to one of the scales set by the government.

IMPORTANT: The effective result of the doctorate scholarship is subject to the condition precedent of your enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.

As well as this, you will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike; 
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in  all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques; 
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps; 
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?

Then apply, at the latest on 20/05/2024, via jobs.vub.be, and upload the following documents:

• your CV;
• your motivation letter;
• your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Jeroen Van Schependom at jeroen.van.schependom@vub.be or on 0475337743.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB? Go to jobs.vub.be, and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.

Would you like more information about EUTOPIA? Go to eutopia-university.eu, and read more about the role of the VUB in the development of the EUTOPIA alliance.