Postdoc position in myogenic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells in

(ref. BAP-2022-674)

Laatst aangepast : 3/10/2022

The Yilmaz laboratory has an overarching aim of enhancing the regenerative capacity of human skeletal muscle and finding treatments for a vast array of genetic muscle disorders and muscle wasting caused by aging and several other degenerative conditions. Towards this aim, we are interested in understanding how skeletal muscle cell identity is established in human and which gene networks govern cell fate changes giving rise to muscle cells. The Yilmaz Laboratory of Regenerative Muscle Biology is located at the Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Unit of the Department of Development and Regeneration at KU Leuven. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our newly established laboratory to work on myogenic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells in health and disease.

Responsibilities

In this project, we will investigate the gene circuits that regulate the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into skeletal muscle progenitors. The successful candidate will have the chance to use unique experimental tools based on our recent work (Yilmaz et al. Nature Cell Biology 2018, Yilmaz et al. Cell Stem Cell 2019, Yilmaz et al. Cell Stem Cell 2020). We will utilize a vast array of molecular biology techniques, such as transcriptomic analyses and gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, together with extensive mammalian cell culture techniques and bioinformatics tools. These experimental setups will also be used to study common genetic disorders of skeletal muscle. The candidates will be highly encouraged and supported to apply for the prestigious FWO fellowship.

Profile

• Familiar with mammalian stem cell and developmental biology, both on technical and conceptual levels
• Prior experience in or serious commitment to learn bioinformatics skills such as large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis 
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about stem cell biology and a team player
• Fluent in written and spoken English

Offer

• A highly motivated, energetic, and newly established research group within a collaborative department and with connections to a strong network of stem cell scientists.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies.
• Excellent training and networking possibilities through local and international collaborations, as well as by active support to participate in conferences.  
• Training at the University of Leuven, which is listed among the top 50 universities in the world and was also chosen as the most innovative university in Europe.
• A competitive salary and benefits by the University of Leuven for 1 year with possibility of extension up to 3 years.
• The position is immediately available.

More information
Interested?

For more information, please contact Christina Vochten ([email protected]). Your application file should consist of:

-A curriculum vitae, including your publication list and technical skill set.

-A motivation letter describing your past research experience, research interests and why you are a good candidate for the position.

-Contact details of 3 referees.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].