Doctoral fellow

PhD position on the molecular mechanisms mediating skin injury repair and tumour formation

The research team of Prof. Esther Hoste has a vacancy for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate reciprocal interactions between skin-resident cell-types and their implications for injury repair and skin tumour formation.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the study of adipocyte-keratinocyte crosstalk in the skin, using mouse models of skin inflammation, wound healing and tumour formation in combination with cell-based assays. In this project, we will make use of advanced confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, mouse transgenesis, and single-nuclei and spatial transcriptomics to understand communications between different cell-types in the skin in different tissue contexts.

About the lab
The VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research aims to unravel the mechanisms of immunity and inflammation for better prevention and therapy of human chronic disease. Several high-end core facilities support and improve our research activities. For more information, please visit: https://www.irc.ugent.be . The ‘Keratinocyte microenvironment’ team focusses on how keratinocytes -the epithelial cells of the skin- communicate with other skin-resident cells to mediate skin inflammation, wound healing and tumorigenesis.

We offer:

• A 4-year PhD position
• A multidisciplinary and highly stimulating and supporting international research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure
• A multitude of training opportunities organized at Ghent University and VIB to broaden your expertise and skill-set

• Master in Sciences: Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biology or a related discipline
• Prior hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques
• Highly motivated team player, able to work independently

Desirable but not required:

• FELASA certificate level B or higher

How to apply?
Send your full application to: Prof. Esther Hoste ([email protected] ). The application should consist of:

• Your CV
• A motivation letter expressing your interest and suitability for the position
• A transcript of your master degree

A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.