PhD student Targeting microglial lipid metabolism to promote CNS repair

Background
The faculty of medicin and law sciences contributes to sustainable solutions for health-related issues. as part of the civic Hasselt Univesity. The faculty focuses on excellence in education and research and connects with society through strong collaborations with our partners. Starting from continuous attention for quality and innovation, the faculty is a breeding ground and magnet for talent woth an open view on society, from the region to the word. 
The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at Hasselt University is a highly interactive and well-equipped multidisciplinary institute where both fundamental and applied research is performed to better understand the disease processes of (auto) immune, neurological and cardiac disorders. (BIOMED). 
Within this stimulating environment, we are looking for an enthusiastic PHD candidate to strenghten our team. 

Job content
Are you passionate about neuroimmunology, metabolism, and making a real impact in brain disease research? Join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team as a PhD student and help uncover how lipid metabolism shapes inflammation and repair processes in the central nervous system (CNS).
Lipid metabolism is crucial for regulating immune cell function and promoting brain repair. Dysregulation of these metabolic pathways plays a key role in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease. In our research group, we aim to understand how metabolic signals drive neuroinflammation and tissue regeneration — with the ultimate goal of developing innovative nutritional and pharmaceutical interventions.
This project focuses on microglia and macrophages — the brain’s resident and infiltrating immune cells — and how their lipid processing is disrupted during demyelination. Using this knowledge, we aim to reprogram these cells into a reparative state that supports CNS healing.
What You’ll Do

• Investigate how lipid metabolic pathways are altered in microglia/macrophages during CNS demyelination
• Identify new therapeutic targets to restore lipid balance and enhance tissue repair
• In addition to standard molecular biology techniques, you’ll work with cutting-edge technologies, including:
  • Lipidomics and lipid imaging (in collaboration with Prof. Johan Swinnen, KULeuven)
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing
  • High-resolution imaging
  • Multicolor flow cytometry
  • Advanced molecular and metabolic assays

•  Utilize a broad range of model systems, including patient material, patient-derived cells, ex vivo brain slices, and in vivo animal models

• Be part of a highly motivated and collaborative research team with expertise in neuroinflammation, metabolism, and regenerative biology
• Receive joint training and supervision from top labs at UHasselt and KULeuven
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international scientific community
• Join national and international conferences to present your research
• Contribute to translational research with real potential to improve therapies for brain diseases
• Develop a diverse skill set in cutting-edge techniques and data analyses

Profile

• You have completed or are about to complete a Master's in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bio-engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Neurosciences, or an equivalent specialization. Graduating students are also encouraged to apply.
• You achieved good academic results, and/or you can show relevant academic output (e.g., publications, mobility).
• You have a strong interest in metabolism, neuroimmunology, and translational research.
• You have demonstrable experience (e.g., by internships) in executing biomedical research.
• Willingness to work across disciplines and collaborate with international research teams.
• Experience with innate immune cells, lipid metabolism or bioinformatics is a plus.
• You exhibit excellent communication skills, and you master the English language, both orally and in writing.
• You work in a goal-oriented and flexible way. You are able to efficiently plan your work, allowing you to achieve challenging yet feasible goals, and you adjust your planning if necessary.
• You actively contribute to a positive working environment, you are a team player, and you enjoy making connections between different research groups.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer a 2-year contract, with the possibility of extension for 2 years after a positive evaluation.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 19 August 2025.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. Jerome HENDRIKS, +32-11-269207, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].