PhD Positions in molecular genetics of Alzheimer's disease, University of Antwerp, Belgium (2016)

The Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group in the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp in Belgium is inviting applications for

PhD projects in molecular genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia

Project description
Neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontal temporal dementia (FTD) are age-related disorders that are becoming more prevalent each year due to our increasingly elderly population. In the absence of a cure or preventive strategy, the number of dementia patients worldwide is projected to reach over 130 million in 2050.

Our research aims to extend the knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in these disorders by an integrated approach of state-of-the-art molecular genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, clinical neurology and cell biology, supported by biobanking to drive molecular discoveries to diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.

The PhD student will use 2nd and 3rd generation DNA and RNA sequencing strategies on samples derived from large well-documented national and international cohorts to identify novel genes or new mutation mechanisms in known genes involved in AD or FTD. Novel key genes and proteins are studied further to unravel the underlying biological pathways with the objective to identify key molecular events and therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration. Targets that define the onset of pathology will constitute prime markers for early diagnosis. The student will explore translation of novel findings into genetic, body fluid or neuro-imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Further details:
http://academicpositions.eu