PhD student - Inflammasome and cell death signaling mechanisms

PhD student - Inflammasome and cell death signaling mechanisms

15/11/2022

Location

Ghent, Belgium

Vacancy

About the lab

The research team of Prof. Mo Lamkanfi, also called the Laboratory of Medical Immunology, has a longstanding interest in understanding inflammasome signalling and lytic cell death pathways that contribute majorly to chronic inflammatory diseases and play a crucial role in host defense against microbial pathogens. The Lamkanfi lab currently has a vacancy for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate inflammasome signaling pathways and novel regulatory mechanisms of pyroptosis in inflammatory diseases. The research group has at its disposal state-of-the-art research facilities and is integrated in the Medical Research Building 2 facilities of the Ghent University Hospital Campus in Ghent, Belgium. Within close proximity of the academic hospital, the research group aims to translate the fundamental knowledge generated into the design of novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools (e.g. PMID: 32312770; PMID: 31525186).

Job description

The current PhD position is available for a highly motivated candidate to work on a granted multi-disciplinary project within the research group of Prof. Mo Lamkanfi, and involving several other research groups at Ghent University and other academic institutions in Belgium and abroad. The main aims of the PhD project is to define the functional role of pyroptosis using a combination of cutting-edge technologies and innovative in vivo models of inflammatory diseases. In addition, the PhD student will setup experiments to discover and functionally characterize mechanisms that modulate inflammasome activation and pyroptosis sigaling in hematopoietic and epithelial cells of human and murine origin. In this project, we will make use of advanced confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, mouse transgenesis, CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide screening approaches and retroviral transduction technologies to understand how lytic cell death contributes to inflammatory pathology.

Profile

Essential

• You hold a MSc/Masters’ degree in molecular biology, bio-engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, biosciences, bioinformatics, or equivalent related fields from a recognized university.
• You have a FELASA B/C degree or equivalent degree accreditation for animal experimentation in EU countries.
• You have excellent English communication skills (both oral and written).
• You have a keen interest in genetic engineering and inflammation biology.
• You are highly motivated and can plan and conduct research accurately.
• You can function well independently as well as in a team as you will be integrated into the international collaborative research environment of the host laboratory.
• You can take initiative and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and critical mind-set.

We offer

• A 4-year (1+3) PhD position to work on an exciting and innovative project, covering a fascinating combination of technologies and research interests.
• 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 by the Ghent University Doctoral Schools to broaden your expertise and skill-set
• Access to state-of-the art research tools and infrastructure within an excellence-based research institute
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 35 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).

How to apply?

The position is immediately available. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mo Lamkanfi ([email protected] ).

Please include a single pdf in your application that combines the following elements:

• 1-page motivation letter expressing your interest in and suitability for the project
• Detailed CV and 1-page summary of past research activities
• A transcript of your Masters’ and FELASA degrees
• Contact information of 2-3 referees

The first review of applications will start immediately. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.