Postdoctoral fellowships at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University

Outline

Project topic: Diagnostic Performance of the Attenuation Imaging Coefficient in Detection of Liver Steatosis in Paediatric Patients

The fellowship project aims to evaluate the ultrasound attenuation imaging coefficient (ATI) as a non-invasive marker for the diagnosis of fatty liver in children and to determine its reliability and clinical value. Research will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Dr Vaidotas Urbonas.

Steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction [Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)] is the most common chronic liver disease in children. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are considered the most important risk factors for MASH.

During this study, 6-18 years children with one or more risk factors for fatty liver or MASH (overweight, obesity and/or metabolic syndrome components) will be studied. They will undergo measurement of liver‘s attenuation imaging coefficient and its results will be compared with anthropometric, laboratory and clinical data of patients. At the end of the study, conclusions should be presented about the value of this ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of fatty liver and steatohepatitis.

The project will be carried out at the Children’s Clinic of the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University. For more information, please contact Prof. Vaidotas Urbonas, e-mail: vaidotas.urbonas@mf.vu.lt or Diana Bašinskaitė, e-mail: diana.basinskaite@mf.vu.lt.

What is funded

Fellow’s salary during the project: 3096,80 EUR/month (all taxes included).

Duration

Duration of a postdoctoral fellowship: 2 years.

Eligibility

Requirements:

• A researcher with a Ph.D. degree in Medicine and Health Sciences, granted by a foreign or other (non-University) Lithuanian science and study institution, for which from no more than 5 years (the period during which the person was granted maternity leave, paternity leave or child care leave is not included in this 5-year period) have passed since the award of the doctoral degree;
• Research background in paediatric liver pathology and liver transplantation;
• English language (C1 level);
• Proficiency in Lithuanian language would be an advantage.

Documents required:

• Completed Application form;
• Free-form description of life and scientific activities (CV);
• List of scientific publications (list up to 10 of your most important publications);
• Recommendations from two researchers;
• Copy of PhD degree certificate.

Please send all the documents to Diana Bašinskaitė, e-mail: diana.basinskaite@mf.vu.lt.