Postdoctoral position: Gene identification and functional analysis in rare disorders affecting bone and cartilage

(ref. BAP-2021-802)

Laatst aangepast : 17/11/2021

A new 4-year postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Human Genetics (Faculty of Medicine – KU Leuven) where a new research team with focus on genetic disorders of the skeleton will be created under the supervision of Prof. dr. Geert Mortier (principal investigator). From January 1, 2022, Prof. Mortier will be appointed as new investigator at the KU Leuven. Geert Mortier (Researcher ID:D-2542-2012; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9871-4578) is an internationally recognized expert in rare skeletal disorders. The mission of his research is to increase the knowledge of the molecular basis and disease mechanisms causing monogenic disorders of the skeleton (the so-called skeletal dysplasias). With his research he aims to provide new insights in the biology of normal skeletal development, improve genetic diagnosis and counselling for the patients and enable the development of new therapeutic strategies for this group of rare and chronic disorders. Since many of these disorders are characterized by (disproportionate) short stature and/or degenerative joint disease, his research also contributes to the better understanding of more common disorders in the population such as osteoarthrosis in adulthood and growth disorders in childhood. The major goals of his research are i) to identify genes that are important in the regulation of linear growth, endochondral ossification, bone homeostasis and maintenance of cartilage integrity, ii) to explore the phenotypic consequences of mutations in these genes and iii) to gain more insights in the pathophysiology and genotype-phenotype correlations of these disorders.

Responsibilities

Your major role will be to build up a new research team (Laboratory for Skeletal Dysplasia Research) within the Department of Human Genetics with the help of the principal investigator (GM).

More specifically, you will be expected to

• Write research proposals for acquisition of(inter)national funding
• Supervise laboratory technicians and PhD students
• Study new families with unsolved rare genetic disorders
• Manage the daily working within the lab

Profile

We seek a very ambitious individual with a strong interest in human genetics and skeletal biology who is highly motivated to create a new researchline and lab environment.

Essential are:

• PhD degree (or defense planned in 2022) in biomedical sciences or related disciplines
• solid knowledge of human genetics
• good publication record (quality is valued over quantity)
• expertise in next generation sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data
• experience with functional studies to explore the effect or causality of new genomic variants
• strong skills in writing scientific papers and research proposals(English language)
• capability of independently planning and executing
• very good social and communication skills
• strong ability to meet timelines and work accurately

Desirable but not required are:

• knowledge of bone and cartilage biology
• experience with animal models relevant for skeletal disorders (mice, zebrafish)
• prior exposure to the genetic analysis of skeletal disorders and relevant lab techniques

Offer

We have a position available for 4 years in an intellectually stimulating environment. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. KU Leuven is highly inter- and multidisciplinary and strives for international excellence. It provides its students with an academic education that is based on high-quality scientific research.

You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Interested?

Motivated candidates can apply via the online application tool.

Deadline for application is December 17, 2021.

For more information you can contact Prof. dr. Geert Mortier: [email protected].

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].