PhD student Neuro-immunology

Background
The faculty of medicine and life sciences contributes to sustainable solutions for health-related issues as part of the civic Hasselt University. The faculty focusses on excellence in education and research and connects with society through a strong collaboration with our partners. 
Starting from continuous attention for quality and innovation, the faculty is a breeding ground and magnet for talent with an open view on society, from the region to the world.
The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University conducts high level multidisciplinary research to advance progress in human life sciences. High-end technology is used to deliver novel insights in three main disease areas: (neuro)immunology, neuroscience and cardiovascular disease. BIOMED aims to translate new scientific discoveries into applications that contribute to a healthy society in line with the civic ambition of Hasselt University. 
In this stimulating environment, we are looking for a motivated PhD student to conduct research on the interaction between regulatory T cells and brain barriers in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The project is part of a recently awarded BOF research grant, led by Prof. Dr. Bieke Broux. Prof. Broux’s team (CBN team) focuses on uncovering interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system, with a particular emphasis on the blood-brain barrier. This project specifically aims to unravel the molecular interactions between regulatory T cells and the cells of various brain barriers in the context of neuroinflammation.

Job content
You will prepare a PhD in the context of MS, an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system in which autoreactive T cells cause damage to myelin and neurons, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, vision loss, and cognitive impairments.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining tolerance to autoantigens. It has long been known that Tregs exhibit reduced function in people with MS. However, recent discoveries indicate that, in addition to their immunomodulatory role, Tregs can also promote tissue repair. In the context of Treg-based therapy, it would therefore be beneficial to facilitate the presence of functional Tregs in the brain. However, our recent findings show that Tregs lose their function after migrating across an inflamed blood-brain barrier.
In this project, you will build upon these findings by mapping the full spectrum of molecular interactions between Tregs and the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, you will thoroughly investigate the resulting functional changes in Tregs. To achieve this, you will use in vitro models (human and mouse) as well as in vivo (transgenic) mouse models of MS. Using techniques such as (single-cell) RNA sequencing, spectral flow cytometry, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and more, your findings will contribute significantly to the development of Treg-based therapy for MS.

Profile

• You have completed or are about to complete a Master in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, biochemistry, biology, neurosciences, or an equivalent specialisation. Graduating students are also encouraged to apply.
• You achieved good academic results, and/or you can show relevant academic output (e.g. publications, mobility).
• You have a strong interest in fundamental scientific research.

• You have demonstrable experience (e.g. by internships) in executing biomedical research.

• Experience with immunological research, MS-related research, and/or animal experiments is an advantage.
• You exhibit excellent communication skills, and you master the English language, both orally and in writing.
• You work in a goal-oriented and flexible way. You are able to efficiently plan your work, allowing you to achieve challenging, yet feasible goals, and you adjust your planning if necessary.
• You actively contribute to a positive working environment, you are a team player, and you enjoy making connections between different research groups.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you an appointment for a period of 2 years, that will be extended for another 2 years, after positive evaluation.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 19 August 2025.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. Bieke BROUX, +32-11-269254, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].