PhD Student - Department of Biomolecular Medicine

Last application date Sep 10, 2021 00:00

Department GE31 - Department of Biomolecular Medicine

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master of Science in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Bioinformatics or equivalent

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

The RARE-MED consortium was established in 2019 at Ghent University, a multidisciplinary consortium for basic and translational research on precision medicine for rare diseases. As one of the partners of this consortium, we aim to unravel the role of the noncoding part of the genome in these rare diseases.
To better understand the functional impact of noncoding structural variants, we are currently investigating several interesting genomic loci. Using state-of-the-art technologies, the PhD student will perform an in-depth functional characterization and validation of the regulatory landscape of a known gene associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Furthermore, using this newly gained knowledge, he/she will subsequently assess the potential of cis-regulation therapy targeting the validated enhancer elements in patient-derived cell lines.

The PhD student will be engaged in generating and integrating (structural) genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data. In addition, he/she will be involved in culture of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other relevant cell lines and make use of genome engineering, in vitro and in vivo functional assays such as luciferase assays and zebrafish enhancer assays.

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student to join our enthusiastic and young team. We provide an open and stimulating working environment, in which teamwork, initiative, a critical mindset and originality are highly appreciated.

We offer a position for one year that can be extended to four years in case of obtaining external funding (e.g. by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)).

• You obtained a Master of Science in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Bioinformatics or equivalent awarded by the competent institutions in one of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland not more than two years ago. (The certificate may have been awarded outside the EEA and Switzerland, but you need to be eligible for external funding by the FWO: https://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/phdfellowship-... )
• You have a strong interest in genetics and molecular biology. Prior experience with next generation sequencing and data-analysis is considered an advantage.
• You have (basic) bio-informatics skills or are willing to learn
• You are an accurate and precise worker and possess strong analytical problem-solving skills (creative, critical, thinking out-of-the-box).
• You can work independently, yet you are also a team player.
• Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Applications including a CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), grades, ranking and the email addresses of two potential referees should be sent electronically to prof. Sarah Vergult ([email protected] ) by September 10, the latest.
Top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview (either on-site or via Teams). Starting date will be determined in agreement with the candidate.

Location:

Medical Research Building (MRB1)
Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG)
Ghent University Hospital
Corneel Heymanslaan 10
B-9000 Ghent, Belgium