Doctoral Researcher

**L'entreprise**

The Unit of Experimental Toxicology (UET) specializes in the assessment of genotoxicity and immunotoxicity of chemicals, nanoparticles and non-ionizing radiation through biological cell culture and mechanistic research, as well as applied laboratory and translational research. The UET is committed to improving the evaluation of potential toxicants of chemical or physical nature through the development of new approach methodologies with an emphasis on AI-driven imaging flow cytometry, high-content fluorescence microscopy & state-of-the-art organ-on-a-chip exposure systems. The UET strives to stimulate the transition towards next-generation risk assessment that uses less or no animals and is more relevant for human health.

**Description de l'emploi**
Ph.D. position to conduct the research project, titled ‘BisGO’: Omics-guided advancement of Bisguaiacols as Safe and Sustainable by design alternatives to Bisphenol A.

Bisguaiacols (BG)s are promising alternatives to Bisphenols (BP) in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (e.g. used in food packaging, can coating). The 3 major advantages of BG over BP are 1) reduced endocrine disruption, 2) production from biomass feedstock as a renewable resource, 3) synthesis by green chemistry, assisted by a recyclable, highly selective catalyst. As such, the development of BG is testimony to Belgium’s commitment towards a more circular economy. Replacement of BP with BG is complicated by data scarcity, particularly in toxicity endpoints, preventing a rationalized risk & health assessment.

BisGO is a joint proposal from University of Leuven and Sciensano, situated in an international consortium that aims to advance BGs through increasing Technology Readiness Levels. 1) As a cost-effective and Science-based strategy, BisGO will fill toxicological data gaps early in the development process by combining standardized tests and new approach methodologies with advanced omics. 2) BisGO will exploit the versatility of the BG scaffold to expand the BG portfolio guided by machine learning with improved prediction algorithms. 3) BisGO will investigate the acute and long-term impact of BG on aquatic ecosystems.

BISGO will deliver proof of concept of a genuinely Safe and Sustainable-by-design BG-based alternatives for BP. Moreover, the generated technology will reach beyond BisGO and contribute to the rationalized development of chemicals to avoid regrettable substitution.

At Sciensano, a Ph.D. position is available within the BisGO project that will evaluate the genotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic properties of the BGs. The available test platform will be expanded with new _in vitro_ test systems to increase accuracy. The student will combine the in-house Imaging flow cytometry (Cytek), the AI-driven high-content fluorescence microscopy (Metafer), and the Luminex Inteliflex for cellular mRNA & protein measurement with state of the art exposure systems in an organ-on-a-chip model (CN-Bio) and Omics.

**Le profil**
- Master's degree in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent, with at least a distinction degree.
- Profound interest in bridging the gap between engineering and biomedical sciences and willingness to broaden your field of expertise in related toxicity assessment techniques.
- Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
- Knowledge of (stem) cell culture and molecular techniques.
- Previous experience with flow cytometry, Organ-on-a-chip, Omics, Bioinformatics or in vitro toxicology is an advantage but not a requirement for applying.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office package and statistical analysis with R.
- Critical thinking and fluent writing style.
- Ability to work independently and in a team, with strong initiative and motivation.
- Open-minded, keen on working in a multicultural environment where inclusion and equality are important.
- Capability to carry out doctoral research under supervision.

**L'offre**
- A stimulating and varied position in a renowned scientific institute.
- A PhD contract of definite duration (4 years)
- Flexible working hours within a 38-hour week, teleworking.
- Full reimbursement (100%) for commuting by public transport.
- Meal vouchers (€6 per meal voucher).

**Contact**

To be considered, please provide in the online tool a motivation letter (mandatory), a full CV including a recent photograph and contact information of two references (mandatory).