Molecular and pathological mechanisms of long-term cold and heat exposures

(ref. BAP-2023-76)

Last modification : Tuesday, February 7, 2023

This research will be carried out at the KU Leuven's Department of Biosystems. The Bio-Environmental Control group's research interests include the indoor environment and its impact on human health, occupational safety and health in extreme weather events (heatwaves, cold spells), modelling of the human thermoregulatory system, and heat transfer through the human body-clothing- environment system. Animal & Human Health Engineering (A2H) is a division within the Department of Biosystems at KU Leuven. A2H is transdisciplinary team of researchers, performing cutting-edge research to improve health, welfare and productivity for individual living organisms. The research group Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES) sits within A2H and is a recognized scientific group working in the field of biological responses modelling and monitoring for improving the lives of animal and humans. Our objective is to measure and model in realtime the responses of living organisms as a basis for developing monitoring and controlling technology to improve their well-being, health and/or performance.

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As part of a PhD project, you will use laboratory mice to investigate the molecular and pathological mechanisms of long-term cold and heat exposures. In addition, mitigation strategies for the health effects of long-term indoor and outdoor cold and heat will be proposed and examined. The responsibilities of this position include conducting fundamental and applied research, data processing, and scientific writing.

• You hold a Master's degree in a field relevant to the project (e.g., Master of Nutrition, Public Health, Toxicology, or a closely related discipline).

• You have published at least one top-tier journal article as the first author.

• You have prior experience with animal handling, molecular biology, immunoassays and microscopy techniques.

• You are highly motivated and have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

• You have good personality and are willing to devote your full time to doctoral research.

• You are fluent in English and have received training in scientific reference management, reading, and technical writing.

• You are interested in both fundamental and applied research in indoor and outdoor human health.

• You have excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

• A fully-funded full-time PhD position.

• A friendly research environment that operates on a global scale and access to cutting-edge technology.

• An energetic and positive working environment.

• The chance to form an interdisciplinary network and contribute to scientifically relevant research.

If interested, send your CV, two recommendation letters and a motivation letter to [email protected]

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected]