PhD Student

The Centre for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG) and the Women's Clinic of Ghent University Hospital have been working for 5 years on a joint research project on prediction of pregnancy complications, called ExPECT (Early detection of Pregnancy Complications Testing). One part is about prediction of pregnancy toxicosis (pre-eclampsia) based on methylation changes in cell-free DNA in the maternal bloodstream (which partly originates from pregnancy). The other part, which would constitute your assignment, deals with the prediction of preterm birth and foetal lung maturation. This will focus on cell-free RNA (transcriptome, differential gene expression). We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student to enforce our team.
We offer an open, highly dynamic, and challenging working environment, in which teamwork, initiative and originality are stimulated and appreciated.

- Literature review: what is already known about cell-free (cf) RNA and preterm birth? Which methodology is best used for further research (targeted RNA sequencing, total RNA sequencing, micro RNA alterations,...)? Does data around foetal outcomes and cell-free RNA already exist?

- Experimental Design and Execution:

• Set up a clinical study for the foetal lung maturation part (prospective sample collection). The aim is to see if a correlation can be found between cfRNA alterations and foetal maturation. This part of the study is exploratory and innovative; there is a risk of a negative outcome (failure to achieve results).
• Sample analysis in the CMGG lab: independently perform the genetic analyses.
• Data processing and analysis: structuring and processing the results obtained. Statistical knowledge is required (data mining, hierarchical cluster analyses, survival analysis, machine learning).

• You hold a master's degree (preferably) in medicine, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, pharmacy or equivalent. Diploma requirements must be met by date of appointment.
• You have a strong interest in genetics and basic sciences.
• Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) is advantageous.
• Knowledge of NGS data anlayis, statistics and machine learning is a strong plus.
• You take initiative, have a critical mindset, strive to work independently and are highly motivated.
• You are well organised and have good reporting skills.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills and a good knowledge of English.
• Candidates who are eligible to submit a PhD research project to other funding agencies, will be considered as an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits  (in Dutch).

• Applications should be submitted by June 1, 2024.
• Send a motivation letter and curriculum vitae with detailed study results (per year) to Prof. Dr. Björn Menten (Email: [email protected] )