Author: masterAdministrator

Doctoral project title: 

Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis in shrimp: development of new laboratory techniques for studying pathogenesis and defence

Background

Aquaculture of shrimp has become an important industry worldwide, but disease outbreaks remain a major problem. One of the most recently discovered pathogens in shrimp is the microsporidia Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). Microsporidia are fascinating organisms, obligate intracellular parasites that belong phylogenetically to the fungi but share some properties with viruses. EHP has been associated with disease of the digestive system (hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis) and retarded growth. However, many aspects of this disease are not yet well understood, such as the pathogenesis and immune response of the shrimp. In addition, there are specific challenges associated with working with microsporidia in the laboratory that need to be addressed first.

This PhD project will be carried out in a collaboration between IMAQUA and Ghent University.

IMAQUA is a professional Contract Research Organization (CRO) established in 2015 as a spin-off company of Ghent University to conduct contract research for the shrimp farming industry. At IMAQUA, shrimp diseases and host defenses are studied in detail to establish science-based disease models.

The Aquaculture Laboratory at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering of UGent has a very long experience and proven track record in (doctoral) research. Besides its role as Artemia Reference Center (ARC), the research group has an extensive international network in countries with shrimp aquaculture and close collaboration with other faculties at UGent.

To make this PhD project possible, an application for a Baekeland mandate will be submitted to VLAIO, the Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the Flemish Government. Baekeland mandates aim to offer researchers the opportunity to perform a PhD in close collaboration with a company.

Assignment of the doctoral candidate and research proposal

• Implementation of the research project in collaboration with IMAQUA and Ugent (employed at IMAQUA, enrolled as a PhD at Ugent). 
• The main activity is scientific research, including literature study, practical work in laboratories and with live laboratory animals. This work will be carried out at both UGent and IMAQUA based on the cooperation agreement between the two organizations.
• The ultimate goal of this research is to complete a dissertation within a four-year period, based on published articles in scientific journals.
• Furthermore, the doctoral candidate will also present his/her results at international scientific conferences and workshops.
• The plan of the research project has already been worked out by the promoters.
• The doctoral candidate will have to defend the submitted project before a jury of VLAIO, where especially the motivation and scientific attitude of the candidate will be evaluated.

Profile of the candidate

• You have a Master’s degree in veterinary medicine, bioengineering sciences or similar biomedical field.
• You have a basic knowledge in laboratory techniques (pipetting, sterile working,…) and biosafety concepts.
• You have a strong interest in research and want to master a subject in a systematic and scientific way.
• You are a go-getter, with self-reliance, but also good to work in a team.
• You are motivated and determined to work hard for 4 years and make a PhD thesis.
• Your English language skills are impeccable (verbal and written).
• You are willing to work partly in Ghent and partly in Lochristi. 

We offer you

• The possibility to obtain a PhD within the duration of the mandate. A mandate lasts in principle four years (2 years, and after positive evaluation a second term of 2 years). 
• The opportunity to participate in a breakthrough in the research of a pathogen that is still little understood. In addition, microsporidia occur in most animal species, including humans where the discovery occurred only in the 1980s in HIV patients, providing many career opportunities toward the future.
• Support from a dynamic team of colleagues for hands-on work.
• Support by experienced scientists and professors for publishing and presenting your research work in scientific journals and at international conferences.
• Employment at IMAQUA with salary package corresponding to the rules of PC207.

Contact and timing

• Submit application and CV: mail to hr@imaqua.eu.
• The application period runs until March 1, 2023.

Selected candidates will be invited for a personal interview in the first week of March 2023

Job description

OUR COMPANY

IMAQUA is Contract Research Organisation that provides contract research services to the shrimp aquaculture industry. We provide high quality testing services for application on the development, validation and valorisation of shrimp health products. We consult on conceptual issues and various aspects of shrimp health and immunity.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Laboratory technician at our microbiology laboratory will have the responsibility for supporting laboratory management, client trials and internal R&D activities essential to the innovation portfolio and smooth functioning of IMAQUA.

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in animal sciences, particularly aquaculture and previous laboratory experience. Besides the ability to follow protocols and instructions and flawlessly executing of laboratory procedures, he/she should share our passion for driving innovation with the highest quality standards.

You will work alongside our scientific staff on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. We offer an attractive salary package proportional to performance and responsibilities.

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

· 3-5 years of laboratory work experience

· Studies in biotechnology or similar

· Proficient with following techniques: qPCR, Microbiology, Histology, Cell culture, ELISA

· Hands on experience working with laboratory animals

· Must be able to handle multiple assignments successfully

· Must be precise and accurate, well organised with excellent time management skills

· Must be able to perform in a demanding, fast-paced environment

· Good mathematical (basic statistical skills highly desirable), problem-solving and analytical skills

· Well-developed interpersonal skills

· Possess strong initiative, professional, team player attitude

· Ability to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to develop new ones

· Discrete and able to handle confidential data

· Excellent English language skills, spoken and written

· Ready to work on periodical weekend shift

TASKS

Planning and execution of in vitro microbiological/molecular tests and in vivo infection trials:

· Bacterial culture

· Determination of MIC of experimental antibiotics, probiotics and feed additives

· Bacteriostatic activity with agar diffusion assay of experimental products

· Fixation and staining of thin sections of shrimp tissues

· Microbiology test of shrimp gut digestive and hepatopancreas

· Analysis immune parameter of shrimp haemolymph and tissues

· Shrimp haemocyte collection, total count and differential count

· Probiotics and pathogen co-culture assay

· Shrimp gene expression analysis

· Planning and preparation of trial documentation

· Setting up and execution of controlled infection experiments on shrimp

· Drafting of internal reports

Organisation and quality control:

· Responsible for routine laboratory compliance and maintenance

· Managing laboratory materials stocks and inventory

· Ensures strict adherence to biosafety rules and procedures

· Manages laboratory records and files

Handling and execution:

· Correct blood withdrawal from shrimp & testing of immune parameters

· Examination of animals for behavioural changes or clinical symptoms

· Ensures execution of GLPs in the lab and follow safety rules and procedures

· Development of daily planning of laboratory procedures and coordinating their execution

If you are interested, please send your CV and motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

• PhD degree in Veterinary Medicine, Bioengineering, Biology or related fields
• Basic management skills (time/processes/resources)
• Efficiency and effectiveness in performance of tasks
• Ability to prioritise and solve problems
• Driven and energetic team player
• Strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail
• Ability to develop procedures, draft work proposals and reports
• Effective communicator
• Excellent English (spoken and written)
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft office tools, statistic program

TASKS

Management of contract research trials and related activities:

• Plan, coordinate and execute contract research trials
  • Solve issues and escalate complex issues to management
  • Liaise with clients and manage client database 
  • Motivate, coordinate and manage day to day activities of the team 
  • Develop and enforce research policies and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Analyse data, draft reports 
  • Manage and optimise the workflows
  • Oversee and assist the employee training

WE OFFER

– An attractive salary package proportional to performance and responsibilities

– Intensive in-house training and coaching

– A possibility of rapid career development

– Being part of an international team of aquaculture experts at a dynamic company

– Participating in exiting aquaculture research projects 

Please send your CV and motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu before 08/01/2023