Doctoral fellow - Department of Head and Skin

Last application date Jul 31, 2026 23:59

Department GE34 - Department of Head and Skin

Degree Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, or Biomedical Engineering

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

• Our interdisciplinary research team is seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidate to explore how dying melanoma cells communicate with the tumor vasculature to shape anti-tumor immune responses. Combining expertise in dermato-oncology, cancer biology, immunology, and vascular biology, we aim to uncover how immunogenic cell death transforms tumor endothelial cells into functional antigen-presenting cells and how this process can be harnessed for the treatment of melanoma. 
• The project will involve cutting-edge experimental approaches, including cell culture, mouse tumor models, primary patient material, flow cytometry, advanced imaging, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and T-cell functional assays. You will contribute to both mechanistic discoveries and translational applications, helping to develop novel strategies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by targeting the dynamic interplay between tumor cells, endothelial cells, and the immune system. 
• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis. 
• You will closely collaborate with other researchers with complementary skills. 
• You will report study results in writing and orally in the national and international scientific community. 
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You can demonstrate good study results. 
• You have very good writing skills. 
• You have a thorough knowledge of R, Excel, SPSS or you are interested to learn scientific programming. 
• You have good communicative skills, and you have an open mindset to engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research. 
• You have an interest in interdisciplinary research, both fundamental, translational and clinical. 
• You have thorough knowledge of English, both oral and written. 
• Mastering Dutch is an additional asset. 
• Your research qualities are in line with the Ghent University values. 
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months. 
• Your contract will start on 01/09/2026 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. Click here for 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. Click here for 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 [email protected] and [email protected]. 
We do not accept late applications.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Isabelle Hoorens ([email protected]) and Dr. Robin Demuynck ([email protected]).