PhD (Immuno-oncology): Toward valorising cancer immunotherapy
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join the Laboratory for Cell Stress & Immunity (KU Leuven, Belgium). The project focuses on designing and valorising next‑generation immunotherapy solutions for immuno‑resistant tumours, with the goal of translating discoveries into clinical and industrial applications.
The position is embedded within a joint effort between the CSI lab, led by Prof. Abhishek D. Garg, and the PharmAbs platform, managed by Dr. Nick Geukens. The work will combine antibody engineering, immuno‑oncology, multi‑omics workflows and translational immunotherapy to develop antibody‑based therapies for tumours that have failed to respond to anti‑PD(L)1 or anti‑CTLA4 immunotherapies.
Responsibilities:
Perform high‑quality experiments in antibody engineering, ex vivo immune cell biology, immune activation mechanisms, flow cytometry‑based immunophenotyping, and in vivo tumour immunology and immunotherapy.
Deliver presentations (oral or poster) at collaboration meetings, consortium/institutional seminars, and national or international symposiums or conferences.
Co‑supervise the thesis projects of master students.
Profile:
Master’s degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical sciences, or equivalent disciplines, by July 2026.
Experience in cell culture, basic animal handling, basic in vitro experiments, basic laboratory skills, basic data analysis and statistics.
Knowledge of immunology analyses or antibody characterization or engineering is a plus.
Solid understanding of immunology, antibodies, oncology, and cancer biology.
Rigorous, organized and proactive with a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for an international, interdisciplinary environment.
Good oral and written English communication skills.
High intrinsic motivation and strong scientific curiosity.
Strong academic track record from bachelor through master.
Offer:
Full‑time PhD position for 3 to 4 years after a positive initial evaluation. The candidate is expected to apply for personal PhD fellowships such as the FWO.
Opportunity to work on projects with real‑world applications for cancer patients and attractive prospects for biotech and pharma industries.
Access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and collaborations with well‑known Belgian and international laboratories.
A stimulating, international research environment in a world‑class academic laboratory with highly collaborative investigators.
Participate in high‑impact, state‑of‑the‑art projects.
KU Leuven, one of the most innovative universities in Europe, located 20 minutes from Brussels.
Location: Leuven. The PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctorate Programme in Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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