Brecht Bonneux

I perform my Ph.D. in the form of a Baekeland mandate (VLAIO), which is a collaboration between the department of Infectious Diseases & Vaccines (Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.; Discovery Research) and the Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH; University of Antwerp). In my Ph.D. project I worked mainly in laboratories of Janssen in Beerse, to elucidate the mechanism of action (MoA) of small molecule replication inhibitors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). In addition to investigating these MoAs, I also generated specific monoclonal antibodies against our viral target proteins, by hybridoma technology. In the project I performed a lot of in vitro, in vivo and in silico experiments, and used many different (scientific) techniques (see list of "Skills and Experience" in this C.V.). My Ph.D. project is quite broad (with some parts still confidential), so if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them during a conversation/meeting.

Together with the other Co-Chair I led and managed the Steering Committee of the Janssen BeNeLux Postdoc & Ph.D. Student Community. This steering committee has the goal to unify all Postdocs and Ph.D. students at Janssen Pharmaceutica. I guided and coordinated other committee members in organizing different training opportunities, to shape and steer the profession of young researchers. In this role I supervised the organization of several events, scientific meetings and symposia, to not only strengthen the basic knowledge of young researchers, but also to explore new topics and stimulate out of the box thinking. Hereby an important network is created which enables members of the community to connect to the right people and to engage in collaborations.

As a Steering Committee Member of the Janssen BeNeLux Postdoc & Ph.D. Student Community, I cooperated with other committee members to unify all Postdocs and Ph.D. students at Janssen Pharmaceutica. I organized different training opportunities, to shape and steer the profession of young researchers. I also aided in the organization of several events, scientific meetings and symposia, to not only strengthen basic knowledge of these young researchers, but also to explore new topics and stimulate out of the box thinking. Hereby I aided in creating an important network which enables members of the community to connect to the right people and to engage in collaborations.

I performed this role in the department of Infectious Diseases & Vaccines (Respiratory Discovery). In this team I performed anti-viral research for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) & respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). I used a broad range of techniques in the investigations (Anti-viral & Plaque assays in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories, screenings, Next Generation Sequencing, cell culturing, RNA extractions and many others; see "Skills and Experience" section below).

I performed this role in the department of Janssen Diagnostics (Diagnostic Laboratory Operations). This was my first real job in the Life Sciences industry, but the job stopped because of a restructuring in the department. The job included multiple equipment trainings for working in biosafety level 2 & 3 laboratories; trainings for NKG2D assays and the modifying of standard operation procedures, work instructions and forms.

The student job included the preparation of samples and the drawing of floor-plans for large projects.

The laboratory of my Master thesis in which the research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics is located. The subject of my thesis was the functional characterization of myoinhibitory peptide receptors in C. elegans. I used many molecular techniques for my research: CHO cell culturing and transfection in a biosafety level 2 laboratory, GPCR screening assays, DNA extactions, PCRs etc.

This student job included the maintenance of multiple production lines for the production of different beverages.

The student job included the maintenance of the department, managing the stock, the sales area and giving advice to customers.

The student job included the maintenance of the department, delivering products to customers, managing the stock and the preparation of products while also working in an hygienic way.