PhD candidates are enrolled in 4-year PhD programs, with the aim to complete a PhD thesis. The PhD program focuses on basic research and participation in (design) of (pre)clinical studies. The PhD students are closely teamed with a technician, post-doc, or a clinician conducting basic or (pre)clinical research in a similar area. All candidates will have access to: a personal computer, to a telephone and internet connection and to printing facilities and audiovisual materials for adequate preparation of scientific presentations.
The individual program will take into account the following points:
- The existing funded research program. The PhD project should be complementary to existing research ongoing in the department. High risk, low feasibility programs will not be suitable for PhD training.
- Entry and selection. The PhD program is open to students holding a MSc in biomedical sciences (health sciences, life sciences, biology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering) and to medical students pursuing a PhD career. Selection for participation in a PhD program is based on previous academic results.
- Supervision at three levels. Weekly supervision by a local professor (the principal PhD promoter), daily supervision by the co-promoter, a post-doc or an experiences technician and yearly control by the individual AIO-committee (the principal PhD promoter, the principal investigator(s)/co-promoter(s), two to four representatives of other participating centers). The AIO-committee monitors the scientific process and progress. The "macro" training processes will be controlled by the PhD student training coordinator.
- Progress monitoring. Professional progress is closely monitored at a formal yearly performance appraisal of the PhD student. This is organized by the daily principal investigator(s)/co-promoter(s). Students carry a portfolio of assessments. Elements included in the portfolio are: labjournal, research seminars, journal clubs, exam results of written tests and reports (summer courses, assessment of competence and professional behaviour during the program, attendance of scientific conferences, assessment of the PhD thesis). The individual balanced score card model will give an overview of all training elements. At the first annual meeting, the balanced score card will be individualized. The balanced score card is updated every 6-12 months and used as a dynamic reference throughout the PhD training.
- End terms. An overview of acquired expertise and skills at the end of the 4-year PhD program:
I New knowledge: experimental molecular oncology & embryology research:
- Broad knowledge of and insight in molecular processes controlling cell signalling.
- Detailed knowledge of molecular processes controlling gene exoression (transcription, translation, epigenetics), embryogenesis, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, malignant progression.
- Knowledge of state-of-art technology (genomics, proteomics, transgenesis).
- Integration of research models and theory from different disciplines.
- Development of research and clinical tools.
- Advances in therapy.
- Knowledge of (pre)clinical research (design and execution).
II New/enhanced skills
- Insight into design of scientific research (hypothesis, objectives, aims).
- Evaluation and design of experimental model systems and theories (evidence based, logical deduction).
- Participation in scientific discussions (work progress, planning).
- Critical analysis of scientific papers (hypothesis, objectives, aims, interpretation results, conclusions, drawbacks).
- Critical evaluation and interpretation of obtained results, deduction novel scientific insights.
- Report results with proper lay-out (good structure of objective, methods, results, discussion, conclusion), and content clarity.
- Planning and organisational skills (independently design experiments).
III General professional competence
- Public presentation, detailed scientific reports in English.
- Collaborate in teams with pre-set goals.
- Realize deadlines.
- Maintaining high professional an scientific standards.
- Insight and practice in writing a research proposal (grant).
- Insight and practice in statistical and data-handling skills.
- Insight in ethical issues in translational research.
- Insight in patenting issues in translational research.
IV New/enhanced experience
- Experience with problem based learning.
- Exposure to different research environments.
- Experience in living and working abroad.
- Experience in increased professional mobility.
Career opportunities
Upon completion of the program, graduates may pursue a research career as post-doc in translational research in medicine or academia, or in an applied research environment (e.g. life sciences industry). Graduates may continue a research career abroad either within academia or in medical life sciences and industry. Finally, graduates may opt for applied work in which the PhD program provides important added value, such as a position in industry, contract research organisations or biomedical science teacher in professional training schools.
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