Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by enhancing the immune system's anti-cancer capabilities. Despite its success, the heterogeneous response among patients and the distinct sensitivity observed in primary tumors versus metastases necessitate a more profound understanding. Recent studies have pinpointed metabolic pathways as vulnerabilities within the tumor's immune microenvironment. However, the impact of local nutrient conditions on metabolic reprogramming and T cell function remains largely unexplored. To tackle this gap, our laboratory is dedicated to unraveling the metabolic competition between T cells and tumor cells in distinct metabolic niches. Our objective is to modulate their metabolic activity, promoting T cell infiltration into metabolically challenging areas where immune cells can effectively eliminate tumor cells, achieving a comprehensive response to immunotherapy. Employing cutting-edge techniques such as imaging mass spectrometry, multiplex flow cytometry, and 13C tracer analysis, our research aims to contribute crucial insights to the field. Website unit

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and metabolism. The candidate will perform basic/cell biology & preclinical research related to the main research focus of our lab. The candidate is expected to:

• Design and execute high-quality experiments.
• Closely collaborate and supervise PhDs, technicians, and master students involved in the project.
• Effectively manage projects, ensuring their successful completion and timely achievement of milestones
• Help with data interpretation and play a key role in the publication of the results of team collaborative projects.
• Engage in national and international collaborations.
• Present research findings in seminars and international conferences.

Profile

• You must hold a Ph.D. degree in life sciences, medicine, biotechnology, biosciences, biomedicine, or equivalent related fields from a recognized university.
• You have a background in cancer biology, immunology, and/or metabolism.
• You have experience working with mouse models and mammalian cell cultures, molecular biology techniques (cloning, western blot, qPCR..), and immunology analysis.
• Bioinformatic experience (analysis of large-omics experiments) is a plus.
• You are highly motivated and independent.
• You work well in a team.
• You have experience in coordinating multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• You have a solid publication record in this field.
• You are fluent in English.

Offer

• A stimulating and international research environment.
• Numerous training opportunities and possibilities to collaborate with core facilities and leaders in the field.
• A full-time contract for a year with the possibility of extension for (at least) two more years provided a positive evaluation. You are encouraged to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship.
• KU Leuven is one of the most innovative universities in Europe. Leuven is located 20 minutes from Brussels.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ilaria Elia, tel.: +32 16 19 42 53, mail: ilaria.elia@kuleuven.be.

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.

Vacancy number 14484

Job type PhD positions

Hours (in fte) 1,0

External/ internal External

Location Leiden

Placed on 23 January 2024

Closing date 28 February 2024 35 more days to apply

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:

PhD candidate in synthetic polymer chemistry

Vacancy number: 14484

Key responsibilities

The group of Dr. Joachim Van Guyse at the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) has an opening for 1 PhD position in synthetic polymer chemistry. The PhD student will participate in a project focused on engineering polymers for the delivery of nucleic acids, messenger (m)RNA in particular. The overall aim of the research is to develop novel poly(2-oxazoline)-polypeptide block-copolymers, lipid-polymer conjugates, and nucleic acid formulations thereof by employing new synthetic methodologies and state-of-the-art techniques.

The research topic in this position involves the development of structure-activity relationships of the synthesized block-copolymers and lipid-polymer conjugates in the development of nucleic acid formulations to facilitate systemic circulation and improve the biodistribution of nucleic acid therapeutics.

Objectives: 1) Synthesis and characterization of poly(2-oxazline)-polypeptide block copolymers and poly(2-oxazline)-lipid conjugates, bioconjugation of targeting ligands and conjugation of imaging moieties 2) formulation development using state-of-art techniques, e.g. microfluidics; 3) in-depth physicochemical characterization of the formulations, followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of selected systems with respect to gene expression, cellular uptake, mRNA stability, biodistribution and circulation.

Selection criteria

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical sciences, or Biomedical sciences, or a related field;
• Expertise in chemical synthesis, ideally in polymer synthesis and/or material science
• Interest in formulation development; in vitro and in vivo assays, and biotherapeutic delivery
• Strong communication skills in the group and with collaborators;
• Proficiency in English;
• Excellent organisational and planning skills (efficient time management).

Our organization Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

Terms and conditions We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.770,- per month in the first year to € 3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity and work-life balance Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture.

Information Enquiries can be made to Joachim Van Guyse (j.f.r.van.guyse@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Joachim Van Guyse (j.f.r.van.guyse@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research Interests Statement (max an A4 page)
• Transcripts of bachelor and master curriculum courses, including grades

Only applications received before February 28th, 2024 can be considered.

Vacancy number 14490

Job type Academic staff

Hours (in fte) 0,8-1,0

External/ internal External

Location Leiden

Placed on 23 January 2024

Closing date 29 February 2024 36 more days to apply

The Faculty of Science, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), is looking for:

2 Assistant/Associate Professors in Artificial Intelligence(0.8-1.0 FTE)

The rapid evolution and expansion of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science and the increasing integration with other disciplines creates new challenges in developing and understanding modern computation in its foundations, applications, and societal consequences. Our institute is at the center of this transformation, and we aim to strengthen our research and education in artificial intelligence. We are looking for candidates with expertise complementary to the one that is already present at LIACS and related to generative AI, human centered AI, interactive machine learning, and computational creativity.

There are more opportunities than boundaries at LIACS; you will be a member of existing or new research groups and are expected to work well in our culture of cross-group collaboration. Assistant and associate professors teach courses about their research topics, supervise students, and are expected to develop connections inside and outside our institute, with other stakeholders inside and outside Leiden University. The social values of LIACS are fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork.

Positions at LIACS have a good balance between teaching and research, giving the candidates time to write research proposals and further build their research lines and their careers. The level of the position will be commensurate with your level of experience.

Expectations

• Conducting independent research in your field;
• Teaching relevant courses at BSc and MSc level;
• Willing to get the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) within 2 years;
• Supervising BSc and MSc students;
• (Co-)supervising PhD students;
• Securing external funding for research;
• Engaging in committees and organizing activities in your research group, the institute, and in the relevant initiatives in Leiden and the Netherlands.

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science;
• Proven independence in doing research at the postdoc level or beyond;
• Good publication record and experience in raising research funds;
• Proven track record in teaching;
• Able to work independently, in a team, and in a student (co-)supervisory role;
• An academic, creative, and open mindset;
• Good to excellent proficiency in English.
• Depending on the level at which applicants decide to apply, criteria such as leadership, scientific vision, national and international recognition, and visibility, are also important criteria.

Research at our Faculty/Institute The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of ICT in Business, Media Technology and Creative Science, and Bioinformatics. We are a highly international place to do research, and we strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and inclusiveness go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions We offer a position commensurate with your level of experience, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 4.332,- to € 8.025,- gross per month, following the pay scales 11 - 14 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development, and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity and inclusivity Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information Enquiries can be made to prof. dr. Marcello Bonsangue, scientific director, email: m.m.bonsangue@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl

Application Please submit online your application no later than Feb 29, 2024 via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you attach the following additional documents, quoting the vacancy number:

• A short cover letter (1 page) detailing your motivation to apply for the position;
• A brief description of your research plan;
• A brief description of your teaching experience;
• A full CV including a list of publications, grant acquisition, community service, and a link to your Google Scholar page;
• Links to key publications and PhD thesis when appropriate;
• The names and addresses of at least two persons who can be contacted for reference (who have agreed to be contacted).

The SoC Hub team handles all aspects of System-on-Chip design: specification, automation tools, RTL design, verification, SW architecture and tools, physical design and sample testing of chips fabricated in leading foundries. This includes handling of system topics like memory architectures, system throughput, use case base verification as well as dedicated module developments such as ML/AI, security, interconnect, RISC-V architectures as examples.

We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working and motivated Research Assistants with BSc degree to work for SoC Hub. The interns will be supervised by our researchers and staff.

Job descriptions for the positions:

Position 1: RTL Design and Verification

SoC functionality is captured in RTL abstraction in Verilog and VHDL source code. The functionality is verified in simulation and FPGA prototyping. SoC Hub searches HW designers capable to contribute SoC IP development and integration activities such as RISC-V CPUs, deep-learning accelerators, video encoders, SoC platform peripherals, memory controllers, off-chip protocol stack IPs and Network-on-Chip interconnects. Needed competences are interest in modern SoC hardware development and skills on RTL development. The actual tasks will be adjusted according to the applicant’s competence and interests.

Position 2: Real-Time System Developer

Real-time systems are a significant sector of embedded computing that remains dominated by solutions built on commercial platforms. One of the aims of SoC Hub is to develop novel, state-of-the-art hard real-time systems using and extending open-source hardware (RISC-V) and software frameworks. This activity provides a broad scope of tasks to learn and contribute to, including RTL design and verification, FPGA prototyping, software use case development with Rust and ASIC synthesis. Additionally, the opportunity to contribute on associated publications is provided and encouraged.

Position 3: ASIC Physical design 

The focus of SoC Hub is on ASIC chips, and therefore ASIC physical design is one of the key skills needed. Physical design tasks include netlist synthesis, Design-For-Test (DFT), Static Timing Analysis (STA), Formal Verification (FV), Placement, Routing and Design Rule Checking (DRC). The work is done with state-of-the-art ASIC technology libraries and design automation tools, Cadence Genus and Cadence Innovus.

Position 4: IP-Xact, Kamel and Chisel code generators for hardware 

Modern SoC design involves design automation. This task involves development of RTL code generator with Python based framework, Chisel hardware construction language and/or IP-XACT descriptions. The outcome is a new IP-block or subsystem for the next SoC Hub chips. This task offer chance to adopt highly disruptive techniques. The specific language and IP-block will be specified based on the skills level. Good programming and digital design skills are required.

Position 5: GPGPU Hardware Platform Development

Modern scientific modeling and simulation problems and especially the AI models require huge amounts of compute power and memory throughput. The massively parallel nature of these applications is well suited for general-purpose graphics processing unit style of accelerators (GPGPUs). We are developing a hardware platform to be able to automatically customize and generate new GPGPUs and are looking for HW designers to help us implement the various components involved. Required basic skills include digital design with HDLs such as VHDL & Verilog and basic knowledge of computer architecture.

Position 6: Software design & development of electronic design automation tooling 

Software development focused research assistant will contribute to ongoing improvements in our Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. The focus will be on rewriting and/or optimizing these tools for use in SoC design primarily using Rust, with additional proficiency in C++ and Qt considered beneficial. Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams on the redesign and optimization of EDA tools, enhancing memory map editing features, and actively participating in the development of device tree generation for system representation for Linux and derivatives. The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in Rust programming with an understanding of C++ and Qt, and have previous familiarity with EDA tools. Preferred skills include familiarity with FPGA and ASIC design and knowledge of hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL). The role emphasizes engagement in open-source development, encouraging contributions that benefit the broader EDA community.

Requirements

BSc degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is required.

We offer

The positions will be filled for a fixed-term period starting in May and ending in August or as mutually agreed. A trial period applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job demands and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. The position of Research Assistant is placed on the job demand level 1 (the demand level chart for the teaching and research staff). In addition, employees will receive performance-based salary which for Research Assistants is based on their study credits. Salary for a Research Assistant is around 2100€ - 2400€ depending on completed study credits.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. Summer trainees will be encouraged to discuss potential MSc thesis topics relating to their traineeship with professors at SoC Hub.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 18th of February 2024 (23:59 EET /UTC +2). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format. In your application form, please choose the top 3 positions that you are interested in. The actual tasks will be adjusted according to the applicant’s competence and interests.

Please attach only the following documents to your application:

• PDF copy of your BSc degree certificate(s), including transcripts of all university records
• CV

For further information, please contact:

sochub@tuni.fi

Several positions are available for strongly motivated PhD students at the Membrane Technology Group (Prof. Ivo Vankelecom) of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering of KU Leuven, Belgium. Website unit

Project

You will have your own dedicated research project on membrane development, partly pure scientific, partly industry-driven, and is situated in one of the following fields, depending on the match of your expertise and interest with the projects:

• solvent resistant nanofiltration (linked to plastics industry)
• pressure retarded osmosis (membranes and solutes for power generation)
• reverse osmosis and nanofiltration (mosaic membranes for micropollutants)
• redox flow batteries and water electrolysis (novel membrane types)
• gas separation
• membrane bioreactors

Profile

- Master degree in bioscience engineering, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or nanotechnology with a strong interest in the physico-chemistry of polymeric and mixed matrix membrane materials.

- Any of following specialisations during Master studies or work experience form a bonus:

       - Preparation of polymer-based membranes via phase inversion, layer by layer deposition and/or interfacial polymerization

       - Polymer chemistry and polymer physics (in specific related to assembly of charged polymers and phase separation of polymers and their blends)

       - Membrane applications

-    Interest in both the fundamental understanding of membrane preparation and in the development of new membrane applications.

-    Team-player, motivated and eager to learn.

-    Excellent written and oral communication skills.

-    Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international and collaborative environment.

-    Self-motivated, enthusiastic and being able to organise and prioritise own workload.

-    Being able to efficiently achieve objectives and overcome obstacles.

-    No-nonsense approach with an eye for opportunities.

Offer

Duration: 4 years

Starting date: asap

A position in a stimulating, interdisciplinary scientific environment, as part of an ambitious, international and dynamic team, with both academic and industrial targets.

Access to world-class research facilities(https://set.kuleuven.be/chemtech_nanocentre and https://www.biw.kuleuven.be/m2s/cmacs/research/membrane-technology/research-profile)

Interested?

Vul contactpersonen aan in stap 1 "Context vacature" en hergenereer deze tekst.

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.