1 PhD Scholarship on beta-secretase in Alzheimer’s disease in Belgium | KU Leuven

The Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, headed by Prof. Bart De Strooper, is looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious young scientist interested to make a PhD on the study of the beta-secretase, the major drug target for Alzheimer disease.

The project will be a combination of fundamental and applied work: we are interested in the normal function of this enzyme in the adult brain, and we are generating novel nanobodies to study the function of this protease in the adult brain. At the same time we want to create novel ways to inhibit this enzyme, for instance by developing techniques to transfer such nanobodies over the blood brain barrier. Such nanobodies might have future therapeutic applications.

Profile

• Applicants should hold a Master degree in biotechnology, bioengineering, biology, biomedical sciences, medicine or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Strong interest in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.
• Motivated students of all nationalities with a strong commitment to basic and/or clinical research are invited to apply.
• Ability to independently generate precise, reliable data and interpret them.
• Innovative and creative personality.
• Hands-on attitude.
• Ready to apply for fellowships.

Offer

• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and possibility to invest in new infrastructure as needed.
• A stimulating, diverse international research environment in a world-class academic laboratory.
• Animal models, patient material, expertise in neurodegenerative disorders.
• Start date: as soon as possible – the position is immediately available.