Researcher in Biology
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences for a postdoctoral researcher in chemical biology and drug discovery in the area of protease research.

Background research groups: You will be working in the research group Medical Biochemistry (LMB) in close collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC) and Molecular Imaging and Radiology (MIRA)  on selective and potent Granzyme B ligands, binding mode characterization and transformation into activity-based probes. LMB closely collaborates with UAMC that has a strong track record in the discovery and characterization of potent and specific protease inhibitors, ligands and probes. The collaboration with MIRA enables translational use of these compounds and moving leads closer to the clinic. This research line is supported by multiple international collaborations and European grants.

Research topic: Granzyme B (GRZB) is the most abundant protease present in the granules of cytotoxic immune cells and plays a key role in targeted cancer cell killing by the immune system. In tumors, the amount of GRZB that is secreted by activated immune cells, is inversely correlated with the degree of immunosuppression. Therefore, GRZB is quantified in tumor biopsies of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Moreover, significant research effort is going to the discovery of Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-probes that allow minimally-invasive imaging of GRZB. This approach is also relevant for CAR T and CAR NK cell therapy, where the amount of released GRZB correlates with therapy response. Within a Marie Curie Doctoral Network ‘OncoProTools’ we are conducting research on novel GRZB activity-based probes. You will contribute to this effort in the following ways:

• Production and purification of GRZB via an in-house recombinant expression system.
• Structural biology: elucidation of the structure of 3 [GRZB-probe] co-complexes and determination of the probe binding modes via macromolecular X-ray crystallography.
• Kinetic characterization of the probes: determination of binding parameters via jump-dilution assays, progress curve analysis, eventually combined with grating-coupled interferometry.
• Synthesis of optimized probes: Preparation of further optimized GRZB probes. This will be part of follow-up applications (FWO, MSCA) of the applicant.

Next to experimental research, you will apply for a postdoctoral fellowship via FWO (‘junior postdoctoral fellowship’) and/or HORIZON-MSCA-postdoctoral fellowship in the 2025 call (submission in September 2025 for MSCA and December 2025 for FWO fellowship).  

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) from a non-Belgian institution (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, (Bio-)Engineering Sciences.
• Expertise in protein expression, purification and high-resolution structure determination is an asset.
• You did not reside, study or work in Belgium for more than 24 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (eligibility rule for postdoc with a subsidy).
• You comply with the eligibility conditions for a junior FWO postdoctoral fellowship and/or for a MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowship (p.7)
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
• You will co-supervise PhD students.
• You are quality-oriented, team-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).

What we offer

• An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year. During this year, you will be actively assisted in applying for personal fellowships (FWO and/or MSCA postdoctoral fellowship) with a topic in the above-mentioned theme and with the laboratory of Medical Biochemistry as hosting laboratory. You will have access to grant writing workshops and our excellent expertise in (inter)national fellowship applications.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for protein (bio)chemistry is available in-house or at neighboring institutes.
• Dedicated training programs available at UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
• The date of appointment: July 1, 2025, or soon after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive eco-cheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Antwerp, Wilrijk) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including March 13, 2025(by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV and 2) a letter of motivation with contact details of two referees.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. These candidates will be invited for an online interview that will take place on March 20^th. Candidates will be provided with two research papers on the Granzyme B topic to review and discuss during the selection interview. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questionsor send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Ingrid De Meester or Prof. Pieter Van der Veken (ingrid.demeester@uantwerpen.be and pieter.vanderveken@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.