We are actively seeking an enthusiastic and innovative engineer or interdisciplinary researcher to join as a PhD researcher in the multi-disciplinary team of Prof. Thierry Voet. You will significantly contribute to GlioSELECT: a multi-omic single-cell, functional precision oncology platform to guide personalized medicine in high-grade brain tumors. This position is also embedded within the Innovation Lab of the KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary experts in single-cell and spatial (multi-)omics research at KU Leuven and beyond.
The landscape of biology and medicine is undergoing a transformation through single-cell and spatially resolved omics technologies. LISCO stands at the forefront of this revolution, actively reshaping our understanding of the biology of cells in health and disease. Our aim is to pioneer innovation, application and clinical translation of single-cell and spatial omics (SCS-omics) technologies, together with the University Hospitals (UZ Leuven) as well as industry. Using cutting-edge SCS-omics, we are committed to unravelling the complexities of human development, ageing, and disease biology, with therapeutic potential in the clinic.
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Project
We seek a motivated PhD student to join the GlioSELECT project.
The PhD project will be focused on the development and application of single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics methodologies to understand drug responses in glioblastoma (GBM), which among the most difficult-to-treat cancers with 5-year survival rates of less than 5%. In this role, you will devise methods, conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary team. You will also interact with researchers from other labs involved in the project, including the labs of Prof. Frederik De Smet and Prof. Jeroen Lammertyn at KU Leuven, and other partners of the consortium. This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to expand your expertise, advance your research profile in cancer cell biology, single-cell (multi-)omics technologies, and contribute significantly to these fields with far-reaching implications.
Your main responsibilities would be:
• Develop novel single-cell multi-omics methods in an interdisciplinary Innovation Lab.
• Troubleshoot and optimize protocols to ensure high-quality and reliable results.
• Develop automated and/or miniaturized versions of established protocols to enhance throughput and minimize costs.
• Generate novel ideas/concepts for biological applications and scout for novel technology developments in the context of single-cell (multi-)omics.
• Handle and analyze human GBM tissue to study biological mechanisms and drug responses.
• Be co-responsible for the successful completion and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Foster new relationships with internal and external interdisciplinary research groups.
• Report and communicate progress in meetings, publish scientific articles, and participate in international conferences.
Profile
• Master’s degree in life sciences (bioengineering, biomedical sciences, genetics, genomics or equivalent). A publication record is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of classical molecular biology techniques and a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry and biostatistics.
• Genuine interest and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work seamlessly across interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in designing and troubleshooting experiments is a plus.
• Experience with or knowledge of single-cell and/or spatial (multi-)omics methods is a plus.
Offer
We offer a 4-year PhD research position in a stimulating international work environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. As part of your doctoral program (Biomedical Sciences), you will engage in diverse training, education, and career development activities. You will be based in Leuven, a historic, dynamic, and vibrant city in the heart of Belgium, close to major European capitals. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally-oriented university that conducts fundamental and applied scientific research with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and international excellence.
Interested?
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Thierry Voet, e-mail: thierry.voet@kuleuven.be or Dr. Katy Vandereyken, e-mail: katy.vandereyken@kuleuven.be
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.