Doctoral fellow - Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.
Department GE35 - Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Degree Master\u2019s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, or a related biological field (e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences or Bioengineering).
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student with an interest in translational and immunological research in the field of rheumatic diseases. You will join the research group of Prof. Dirk Elewaut and Prof. Koen Venken at the VIB Center for Inflammation Research – Ghent University. Our multidisciplinary and international team of clinicians and fundamental scientists strives to better understand the underlying disease processes in rheumatic diseases, with a general focus on studying potential alterations in barrier organs (gut, skin, lungs) in relation to the development and/or progression of joint pathology.
The PhD project will specifically focus on the role of T cells in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common autoimmune diseases. One of the strongest environmental factors for the development of RA is smoking. However, how smoking influences the lung environment in genetically predisposed individuals, ultimately contributing to joint disease, is largely unknown. Our team recently demonstrated that smoking can induce the formation of potentially pathogenic T cells in the lungs of early RA patients, as these cells were also found in inflamed joints, potentially contributing to disease progression (PMID: 39521450). The aim of the current project is to further investigate the role of these T cells (as well as other immune and stromal cells) and their association with the development of RA. This will be achieved by analyzing a unique collection of patient samples and searching for the underlying disease mechanisms in an experimental mouse model. You will utilize state-of-the-art immunological and cell-molecular techniques, including multi-parameter flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. The final objective of the research is to obtain a PhD.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
* You hold a Master\u2019s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, or a related biological field (e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences or Bioengineering). The degree requirements must be met by the date of appointment.
* You have some experience with (cell) molecular and biochemical research, as well as with working safely/sterilely in regulated laboratory facilities. Hands-on experience with immunological techniques (e.g., flow cytometry) is recommended.
* Added value (but not essential): Experience with single-cell OMICs technology(ies) and/or derived BioIT analyses (e.g., in R) and murine research.
* You have excellent communication skills in English (and potentially also in Dutch), both spoken and written.
* You are familiar with common MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with data analysis in R is a plus.
* You hold a FELASA certificate (animal research) or are willing to obtain one.
* You are punctual and accurate, and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* You can work independently and function well within a team.
* You have a positive and proactive attitude: You take initiative and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance, and a critical mind.
* You are flexible, both in terms of working hours and tasks.
* You are willing to apply for competitive PhD grants (e.g., FWO).
* We offer a full-time PhD position with an initial period of 12 months, which, after a positive evaluation, can be extended to a maximum total of 48 months.
* Your contract will start on 11/01/2025 at the earliest.
* The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. More information about our salary scales.
* All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. A complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to
koen.venken@ugent.be
Job details
Title
Doctoral fellow - Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Published
2025-09-25
2025-10-17 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-10-17 23:59 (CET)
Please send your application to koen.venken@ugent.be
Closing on: 2025-11-01 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2025-11-06 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2025-10-21 (Europe/Brussels)
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