Post-doctoral researcher 'Multiscale in vivo optical imaging & Intravital microscopy'

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 postdoctoral researcher. 

More concretely your work package contains: 

The laboratory for In vivo Cellular and Molecular imaging (ICMI) is a multidisciplinary team performing research on the development of novel molecular imaging and molecular therapy applications, mainly based on Nanobody-tracers. Our research spans all activities from tracer design, over in vitro characterization and validation in relevant models, till early phase clinical trials. Our new imaging facility is equipped with various state-of-the-art in vivo imaging modalities including nuclear imaging (PET/SPECT), optical imaging (Bioluminescence, near-infrared fluorescence) and intravital imaging (stereofluoresence and 2-photon fluorescence microscopy).

We are recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop an independent research line on intravital fluorescence imaging to better understand the behavior of molecular tracers at microscopic level as well as the biological effects induced by innovative molecular and cellular therapies. The applicant's main task will be to setup and manage the intravital imaging platform, perform excellent research for ongoing and upcoming projects on the subject. (S)He is also expected to participate in in writing research grants.

You will become part of the In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI) laboratory (https://mima.research.vub.be/en) and will report to one of its principal investigators, Prof. Sophie Hernot. You will be part of a highly interactive research unit, gathering professors, postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, research associates and technicians, all working together towards a common goal, creating clinical impact with novel molecular imaging and therapy applications. 
 

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

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• The candidate should hold a PhD in Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bio-Engineering Sciences, or equivalent. 

• The candidate should have experience in the field of preclinical in vivo molecular imaging and exposure to fluorescence microscopy is required. The candidate should be in the possession of a certificate of Laboratory Animal Sciences (FELASA B or higher), and knowledge of animal models for intravital microscopy is an extra asset. 
• We are seeking a researcher who is highly motivated to independently and accurately execute and report on the various milestones and deliverables of a particular research project.
• The candidate should speak English fluently; knowledge of the Dutch language is an asset but not required. The candidate should be proficient at writing scientific papers, and grant writing skills are highly desirable.
• Since the candidate is expected to work in a multidisciplinary research team, (s)he therefore should be highly communicative.
• The candidate is expected to endorse the educational vision of the university (full text available on the university website).
• Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply

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 contract, for an assignment of 1 FTE, for 12 months (extendable, on condition of the positive evaluation of the research activities), with planned starting date 01/02/2024. 

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

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 01/01/2024, 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 Sophie Hernot at sophie.hernot@vub.be or on +32 479 39 96 19.

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.