Disease resolution and immunometabolism in severe malaria

at  KU Leuven

Disease resolution and immunometabolism in severe malaria
(ref. BAP-2024-294)
Laatst aangepast: 07/05/24
The laboratory of Immunoparasitology (group of Prof. Philippe Van den Steen, cluster Immunity and Inflammation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven) has an open PhD position for a highly motivated researcher to investigate disease resolution and immunometabolism in severe malaria.
Malaria remains a major health problem, with more than 200 million clinical cases and over 600 000 deaths each year. Therefore, the Immunoparasitology research group focusses on the pathogenesis and resolution of malaria complications. These complications are the main cause of death in malaria patients and arise from complex interactions between the parasite and the host immune and vascular systems. We investigate the pathogenesis and aim to develop improved therapies. Thereby, we combine advanced mouse models, including transgenic parasites and conditional knockout mice, with clinical studies in Sub-Saharan Africa and state-of-the-art technologies.
Website van de eenheid
Project
Despite the availability of highly efficient and rapidly acting antimalarial drugs, the mortality of complicated malaria remains high (~20%). Therefore, we think that failure of disease resolution upon antimalarial treatment may be the cause of mortality in these patients. Since the mechanisms of disease resolution in malaria are not well understood, we intend to study these mechanisms with a recently developed mouse model and with a clinical study in Africa. Our recent lung single cell transcriptomics study (PLoS Pathog. 2024, 20(1):e1011929) revealed interesting targets, and we plan further mechanistic characterization of critical pathways, including the role of immunometabolic pathways and the proteolytic inactivation of inflammatory chemokines.

Profiel

• An excellent curriculum with a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or in biology, biotechnology, bio-engineering, medicine or pharmacy.
• Highly motivated to study the immunology and metabolism of malaria, a major tropical infectious disease.
• Eligibility and suitable profile for application for a fellowship (e.g. FWO) is an important asset.
• Felasa B certificate to work with laboratory animals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Team player, communicative, good practical lab skills, strong analytical mindset, independent and problem-solving attitude.
• Some expertise in bioinformatics is a plus.

Aanbod

• A PhD position in a highly dynamic research group within the excellent environment of the renowned Rega Institute at the KU Leuven.
• Excellent daily guidance and training.
• Opportunities to participate in international collaborations and national and international conferences.
• An interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure.

Laboratory of Immunoparasitology
Interesse
Please include in your application your detailed CV, motivation letter and transcript of study results. Please also include the name, affiliation and e-mail address of two references, as well as their relation to you (e.g. your Msc thesis supervisor or promotor). Please also include a 1-page summary of your MSc thesis.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Philippe Van den Steen, tel.: +32 16 32 22 87, mail: philippe.vandensteen@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than May 30, 2024 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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