PhD position: Polycystic ovary syndrome and minipuberty

The selected candidate will conduct translational PhD research under the supervision of Prof. An Jacobs, Prof. Frank Claessens and Prof. Lies Langouche. The candidate will join the laboratory of intensive care medicine, in collaboration with the laboratory of molecular endocrinology, both part of the department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium).
The laboratory of intensive care medicine is a multidisciplinary, translational basic/clinical research team that combines a research laboratory with clinical input. This unique combination allows effective cross-talk between knowledge generated from patient studies and from animal and molecular studies in the laboratory. The laboratory of molecular endocrinology focusses on the mechanisms by which androgens regulate transcription in different cell types and how this leads to their effects on fertility, on the prostate, the musculoskeletal system and other organs. They employ biochemical, molecular, cellular, genetic and in vivo approaches to investigate the functions and mechanisms of the androgen receptor in cellular, animal models and humans.

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Project

The goal of the project is to further unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms, prediction and treatment options of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women, which impacts across the lifespan from adolescence to post-menopause. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with reproductive (ovulatory dysfunction with irregular menstrual periods and infertility, hyperandrogenism), metabolic (obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid levels) and psychological features. Its pathogenesis is complex and still incompletely understood, but emerging evidence suggests that underlying biological mechanisms are not limited to reproductive age. Through a clinical study, investigating the minipuberty of neonates at risk for the development of PCOS, as well as a PCOS mouse model, we aim to investigate the minipuberty as a window of opportunity in the prediction and treatment of PCOS.

Profile

• We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, and creative person with a master degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology (or similar degree)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Enjoy working both independently and in a team
• Fluency in English
• Fluency in Dutch is a plus because of possible patient contacts

Offer

• You will work in a translational multidisciplinary research team that is internationally recognized as the expert in research integrating endocrinology and metabolism.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and will be registered in a specific program of the doctoral school

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. An Jacobs, tel.: +32 16 34 38 40, mail: [emailprotected]

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