→ Apply until 08/07/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)
→ Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
→ Department GE31 - Department of Biomolecular Medicine
→ AAP temporary appointment - 100%
→ Number of openings: 1
→ Reference number: 202505/GE31/AS/019
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.
YOUR TASKS
- At least 50% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
Subject of the dissertation: BE-PRIORITY - Advancing precision medicine in pediatric oncology through multi-omics
Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related mortality among young children in developed countries. Precision medicine offers a transformative approach by tailoring treatment decisions to the unique molecular characteristics of each patient’s tumor. However, while companion diagnostic tests for targeted therapies are increasingly available for adult cancers, their utility in pediatric oncology is limited due to small patient populations and the scarcity of effective biomarkers. International precision oncology initiatives have demonstrated the feasibility and clinical impact of comprehensive molecular profiling in guiding personalized therapies for children with cancer. We launch BE-PRIORITY (Belgian Precision Medicine Program for Pediatric Oncology), Belgium’s first national precision medicine initiative for childhood cancer, that aims to implement individualized therapeutic strategies through advanced molecular diagnostics, adopting and optimizing standards and methodologies proven effective by our international counterparts.
The first stage of the project focuses on implementing and optimizing an ultra-fast, comprehensive multi-omics workflow, utilizing single-molecule sequencing to simultaneously profile the genome, transcriptome, chromatine accessibility and methylome. This study will encompass all pediatric solid tumor types (neuroblastoma, sarcoma and brain tumors), with an anticipated annual cohort of approximately 250 patients. Newly identified therapeutic targets will undergo functional validation using ex vivo patient-derived organoids and in vivo patient-derived zebrafish and murine xenograft models.
- You will assist in the teaching activities at the department, within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The teaching duty includes a.o. practical courses, seminars and/or internships with a focus on biochemistry, protein research, molecular biology, genetics, bio-informatics and the integration of these domains. You will be actively involved in the organization, preparation, supervision and evaluation of several teaching methods.
- You will guide master students during their master thesis.
- You will assist in the internal and external services of the department
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a degree of Master in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Bioengineering (cell and gene technology), Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences or similar studies. The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment
- For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted
- You are interested in academic and/or project-based research and services
- Experience in molecular biomedical research is recommended.
- Holding (or are willing to obtain) a FELASA Category C certificate to work with laboratory animals is a plus. Previous experience with laboratory animal work is an advantage.
- You are highly motivated to participate in educational activities of the department.
- Any teaching experience or participation in extra training, conferences, etc. is recommended
- You have excellent teaching and communication skills
- You have a flexible work attitude and are willing to match your time investment to the needs of the project and tasks.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a two-year appointment, which may be renewed twice for two years, on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation. Attention: If you have been previously appointed as a junior assistant or doctoral fellow at a university within the Flemish Community, this appointment will be deducted from the maximum term of appointment, which is six years at the most according to the Codex of Higher Education
- Your appointment will start on 1 October 2025 at the earliest
- Your remuneration will be determined according to salary scale AAP3. 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 paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits
The interview will take place on Friday July 18, 2025.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not sent through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field ‘Cv’: your cv and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession)
- If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages
- In the field ‘Certificate of equivalence’: only for diplomas awarded outside the European Union a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted (if already in your possession, if not, you need to be able to provide proof that you have applied for a certificate of equivalence at the start of your appointment). The certificate can be requested via www.naricvlaanderen.be/en. For diplomas awarded in the UK before January 31st of 2020, a certificate of equivalence is not required
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Björn Menten ([email protected], +32 9 332 52 84) and prof. Kaat Durinck ([email protected], +32 9 332 24 59).
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36
