VIE Epilepsy Research Scientist - Astrocytic

Make your mark for patients

UCB is an international biopharmaceutical company primarily engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. It specializes in researching therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from severe diseases, treated by specialists, particularly in the fields of the central nervous system (including epilepsy) and inflammation (including allergies).

The Braine-l'Alleud site specializes in chemical synthesis, development, manufacturing, and packaging of pharmaceutical products. 

More information at: www.ucb.com

Your mission will consist of preparing, maintaining, and manipulating primary astrocyte cultures in an epileptogenic environment using pharmacological and genetic tools. The impact of these manipulations on astrocyte functions, under environmental conditions mimicking epilepsy in vitro, will be studied using molecular biology techniques such as ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry.

The volunteer will also be trained in the handling of laboratory mice in order to collect the brain tissues required for the preparation of cell cultures. They will be expected to troubleshoot technical issues during the development of the cultures, write analytical reports in English with a critical mindset, and interpret the data.

• • Education: Master’s degree (Bac+5) in Cell and Molecular Biology or Neurobiology
  • Skills in the preparation of cell cultures derived from rodent brain tissue
  • Experience in the development of primary astrocyte cultures is a plus
  • Languages: Fluent English
  • Curiosity, problem-solving mindset, critical thinking, and ability to work in a team
  • FELASA-B certification is a plus

Please note that this program is in partnership with Business France, and we follow the prerequisites required by Business France to carry out a VIE assignment. The main participation prerequisites are as follows:

• Be between 18 and 28 years old; 

• Hold the nationality of a member country of the European Economic Area; 

• Have not worked or lived in the country where the mission will take place; 

• Be available to dedicate yourself to the mission full-time; 

• If you have French nationality or dual nationality, be in compliance with the national service obligations of France (Numéro Identifiant Défense); 

• Have a clean criminal record. 

If you do not meet all these conditions, we will not be able to consider your application.