Research Assistant

For a joint position in the laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy (Prof. SOKAL; PEDI-IREC) and the laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials (Prof. des Rieux, ADDB-LDRI) on the medical campus of the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL).

The successful candidate will engage in an inter-university research project aiming to develop a novel generation of liver cell therapy products.

Expected start date: February 2018.

Duties and responsibilities:

The successful candidate will perform the following tasks:

- Isolation, expansion, differentiation and molecular treatment of human liver derived cell types and mesenchymal stem cells

- Molecular characterization of cell populations by transcriptomic (RTq-PCR), proteomic (Western Blot, multiplex immunoassays and Immunocytochemistry) and microscopic analysis

- Optimization of co-cultures of human liver cells on biodegradable microcarriers

- Assist in writing publications and reports

- Contribute to everyday laboratory tasks and duties. Contribute to the rotating "On-Call" system for reception and processing of human liver tissue (evenings, weekends and holidays)

Qualifications:

- Master in Pharmaceutical, Biomedical Sciences, Biology or equivalent

- Knowledge and prior experience in mesenchymal stem cell biology and/or 3D cell culture models using microcarriers and/or (bio)scaffolds

- Capable of dissecting a scientific publication and implementing described procedures

- Motivation to integrate a university research team to work on an ambitious project

- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

- Autonomy, rigor and good learning ability are of great importance

- The ability to work effectively with people of technically diverse backgrounds

- Strong command of English is mandatory. Good command of French is a plus

We offer:

- A full-time contract of fixed duration (1 year, renewable 1 year) with a competitive salary package

- The opportunity to work in a stimulating environment, in two highly distinguished teams at the forefront of their research field

- The opportunity to work in a translational project that should have a clinical medium term impact and could ultimately benefit pediatric patients

Contact:

If you fit the profile description, please send your CV and motivation letter to: Prof. Etienne Sokal (etienne.sokal@uclouvain.be)