Post-doctoral position for immunologist

Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology – Prof. C. Mathieu
Available for 2 year period, starting beginning 2009.

Main Research topics in the lab and job description
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, caused by immune destruction of the insulin producing beta-cell in the pancreas, resulting in dependence on external insulin for survival. An important line of research in our laboratory, in which the present post-doctral project will be fully integrated, is studying the role of the immune system leading to beta-cell death in the islets of Langerhans. In the past we have extensively investigated the role of T-lymphocytes as well as the antigen presenting macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) in initiation of beta-cell destruction. In addition, extensive research has been performed on the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, an immunomodulator which is able to prevent insulitis and diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, as well as diabetes recurrence after islet transplantation. This steroid hormone affects behaviour of almost all immune cell types, in particular dendritic cells, macrophages and T lymphocytes.
Specific experiments are planned to further explore in depth how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 affects the dendritic cell and T lymphocyte populations. Furthermore in vivo experiments (in mice) are planned to further investigate the potential of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in prevention of diabetes and graft rejection.
Techniques available: Proteomics (2D-DIGE), Western blotting, cell culture, real-time RT-PCR, Flow cytometric analysis, histology, immunofluorescence, ELISA. In vivo: NOD mice, NOR mice, VDR-KO NOD Mice, several KO and transgenic mice.

Profile and diploma:
Candidates must have a PhD in the field of biological, biomedical, medical sciences or equivalent. The successful candidate is a junior postdoctoral fellow with excellent background in immunology. Knowledge/experience in autoimmunity and in vivo mouse models are an important asset. The candidate has excellent communication skills and is highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team.

Further information and applications (C.V. and names of 2 referees) to be sent before December 31th to:
Dr. Lut Overbergh, e-mail lut.overbergh@med.kuleuven.be
Prof. C. Mathieu, e-mail Chantal.mathieu@med.kuleuven.be
Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Prof. C. Mathieu
Catholic University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N1, bus 902, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium