2 PhD student positions @ ​Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation (UMSTI)​

VIB, Belgium

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Ghent University (UGent) - VIB - Belgium
Center for Inflammation Research
Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation (UMSTI)

The UMSTI headed by Prof. Rudi Beyaert has a job opening for 2 Ph.D. student positions to interrogate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-relevant functions of GWAS-identified candidate genes.


Research context + job description

The UMSTI (https://www.irc.ugent.be/rbe ) studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control inflammation and immunity. In the frame of the EOS (Excellence of Science) funding programme we have recently initiated the BRIDGE project (Taking IBD Genes from GWAS to Function to Drug Target). BRIDGE brings together scientists from 4 different Belgian universities and 1 US lab with complementary expertise in genomics, immunology, cell biology, and clinical gastroenterology to jointly develop a pipeline to systematically interrogate IBD-relevant functions of GWAS-identified candidate genes relevant to disease activation and recurrence.

The successful candidate will focus on the functional characterization of selected IBD candidate genes in enteroendocrine cells, Paneth cells, and/or T cells, using human primary cells and cell lines, gut organoids, and mouse models. You will work together with a postdoctoral researcher who is also recruited for this project.


What do we offer?
  • fully funded 4 years Ph.D. fellowship; flexible starting date
  • a very supporting international research team sharing a passion for science
  • access to cutting-edge infrastructure and core facilities
  • become part of a multidisciplinary network of top-notch laboratories focusing on IBD
  • personal career assistance and a seat waiting in high-level training courses
  • a vibrant UGent (https://www.ugent.be/en/ghentuniv ) and VIB (https://vib.be/ten-good-reasons-work-vib ) international research environment located in Ghent, Europe’s best-kept secret

Requirements
  • master degree in immunology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or equivalent
  • a strong passion for science and curiosity-driven research
  • ability to work independently and in a team
  • good writing and communication skills in English
  • hands-on experience (i.e. practical courses, internships) with cell culture, flow cytometry, cloning, CRISPR, mouse handling, … are advantageous but not mandatory

Application procedure

Complete the online application procedure and include (1) a detailed CV, (2) a letter describing your past research activities and fascination for the topic and Beyaert lab, (3) contact details of 2 referees. 

The vacancy will stay open until a suitable candidate has been found. 

Applications by email will not be considered.


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