Investigation of the effect of chemotherapy on ovarian function and development of methods to preserve fertility in young cancer patients

As survival rates continue to improve, post-treatment fertility has become a major concern. We are specifically looking at the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy, particularly the role of alkylating agents, to assess how different preservation strategies affect long-term ovarian function. The project will be divided into two parts. The first part will evaluate the mechanism of toxicity and ovarian function in mouse models and human tissues after chemotherapy and their impact on ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). The second part will explore new pharmacological approaches to protect ovarian function, targeting specific pathways involved in drug toxicity.

GIGA is University of Liège’s interdisciplinary research institute in the biomedical sciences. 

Located within the University Hospital on the Sart-Tilman campus, GIGA counts more than 600 scientists focusing on the development of health solutions for the benefit of the patients.  GIGA scientists include medical doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians, psychologists, molecular and cellular biologists, chemists, physicists, mathematicians and engineers.       

GIGA scientists are organized in systems- (neuroscience, cancer, infection-inflammation-immunity, cardiovascular) and methods-defined (medical genomics, in silico medicine) thematic units.  They benefit from expert support units including core facilities (genomics, cell imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics, viral vectors, immunohistology, animal housing, cyclotron), grant writing and management, IP valorization, and administration.

GIGA researchers also benefit from cross-disciplinary services: access to cutting-edge technological platforms (genomics, cell imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics, virus vectors, immunohistology, cyclotron and the mouse and zebrafish animal facilities)

The candidate must hold a master degree (MSc) in biomedical sciences, biology or biochemistry (or equivalent). He/she will be motivated to commit to a PhD-program (2-years renewable), and able to work independently and to efficiently collaborate within a team. A good level of English is expected. Experience with experimental animal research or relevant experiment techniques in molecular biology is a plus.