PhD Student (Medical) Biology, Biochemistry or Medical Sciences

The vacancy is at the Department of Pediatrics.Treatment of cholestasis-induced failure to thrive via improvement ofintestinal function Cholestasis in children induces failure to thrive.Cholestasis-induced failure to thrive (CIFTT) is one of the parametersin the Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease-score, which estimates therisk of mortality in children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). In acholestatic mouse model, we have recently demonstrated the efficacy oforal essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation, when administered inthe form of phospholipids (PL-EFA), to improve weight gain and toincrease long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). We speculatethat elevated serum bile acid concentration during cholestasis impairepithelial differentiation resulting in a diminished capacity to absorbnutrients. We hypothesize that PL-EFA improve intestinal functionthrough a direct effect of LCPUFA on the peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor family of transcription factors (PPARs), leading torestoration of epithelial differentiation.

Required education/skills:University Graduate
- masters degree in (medical) biology, biochemistry or medicine
- motivated and enthusiastic
- flexible and accurate
- good social and communicative skills.

Job type(s):
- Teaching & Research

Additional information about the job:
The applicant will test the hypothesis that CIFTT can be treated viaimprovement of intestinal function. The following strategy is chosen totest this hypothesis: 1) CIFTT and intestinal function will be studiedin a murine and a rat model of extrahepatic cholestasis (bile ductligation). We will compare PL-EFA treatment with the standardsupplementation of EFA in the form of triglycerides (TG-EFA) withrespect to weight, absorption of fat, carbohydrate and protein, liverfunction, intestinal morphology, intestine-specific enzymes andproteins involved in nutrient digestion and epithelial differentiation.2) The role of metabolites of LCPUFA on PPAR function (via ligandbinding) and on inhibition of intracellular (MAPK) signaling withrespect to intestinal differentiation and proliferation will bedelineated in intestinal cell lines. 3) The impact of PL-EFA incomparison with TG-EFA in the treatment of children with ESLD will bedetermined in a randomized clinical study.
He/she will publish the data in scientific journals. After 4 years a thesis must be written and a PhD degree should be obtained.

University of Groningen

Working at the University of Groningen (RUG)means working at the frontiers of knowledge. The RUG offers researchersand students the opportunity to expand those frontiers, to developtheir talents and together with others realise top qualityachievements. The RUG therefore deliberately opts for aninterdisciplinary approach to knowledge. Discoveries are born andinnovation realised at the interfaces between the various scientificfields. Researchers and students in Groningen benefit from the richassortment of disciplines that the RUG has built up since its foundingnearly four hundred years ago.
Knowledge is universal and transcends boundaries. The RUG hasdeliberately chosen to make a priority of intensive and worldwidecooperation with other leading universities and organizations. As wellas being outward looking, the RUG is also closely involved with its ownregion where it is one of the largest employers. The university's20,000 students and 5,000 staff have a distinct academic identity,firmly rooted in the wider social context. They are a vital element ofthe vibrant city of Groningen - a great place for students and staff.

The RUG has a special careers advisory service for the partners of new staff who move to the area.

The RUG is an equal opportunities employer. Because women are stillunderrepresented in a number of fields, they are particularlyencouraged to apply.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences (University ofGroningen) and the University Hospital Groningen were united in theUniversity Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).

Salaryscale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2394
Duration of the contract: Four years
Maximum hours per week: 40

Additional conditions of employment:
The UMCG offers a salary of € 1813 per month in the first year up to amaximum of € 2394 in the fourth year. It concerns a temporary full timeappointment for four years.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

dr. Edmond Rings, MD, PhD, pediatrician, phone: +31 50 3619691 or
Telephone number: +31 50 3611261
E-mail address: e.rings@bkk.umcg.nl

dr. Henkjan Verkade, MD, PhD, pediatrician, phone: +31 50 3619613 or
Telephone number: +31 50 3613157
E-mail address: h.j.verkade@med.rug.nl

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

Applications must strictly send to: vmp@bureau.rug.nl

You can apply for this job before 25-05-2005 by sending your application to:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT205124.

Source: Academic Transfer