PhD student: Studying the mechanisms of therapy resistance in breast cancer.

Are you fascinated about understanding the intricate mechanisms of cancer chemoresistance and eager to explore the fascinating world of signaling pathways and stem cells? Join our dynamic research team at the KU Leuven to contribute to cutting-edge research in the fight against cancer.
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated PhD candidate to join our lab. Our focus is on the molecular mechanisms driving chemoresistance in cancer. Our research aims to uncover novel insights into how cancer cells evade chemotherapy, with a particular emphasis on signaling pathways and stem cell biology.
The Lluis laboratory is part of a broad network of research groups at KU Leuven, which ranks among the world’s top 50 universities, with excellent expertise in cell biology, genetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics in mammalian cells and in different organisms.
As a candidate, you will have access to different facilities and will apply several biological techniques, including: culture and derivation of organoids, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, viral transductions, cell cycle analysis, flow-cytometry, and RNAseq analysis, amongst others.
You will will join a very enthusiastic, committed, dedicated, and multidisciplinary team in an exciting and challenging phase of the research with the opportunity to rapidly contribute to the production of new data.
Check us on https://www.kuleuven.be/samenwerking/scil/lluislab/lluislab

Project

Research Focus

The selected candidate will work on an project aimed at elucidating the mechanisms by which cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy. Key areas of investigation include:

• Chemoresistance Mechanisms: Investigating the cellular and molecular basis of how cancer cells adapt to and survive chemotherapy.

• Signaling Pathways: Exploring the role of key signaling pathways in cancer progression and resistance, including the Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling pathways.

• Stem Cell Dynamics: Understanding the contribution of cancer stem cells to chemoresistance and tumor relapse.

• Drug-Tolerant Persister Cells: Characterizing the emergence and properties of drug-tolerant persister cells in various cancer models.

You can consult our publications at www.kuleuven.be/SCIL/publicaties

Profile

The successful candidate should:

● hold a diploma or Master’s degree (one of the countries of the European Economic Area or Switzerland) in cellular biology, biochemistry or bio-engineering or related biomedical field, with excellent marks.

● have lab experience in molecular and cellular biology.

● be structured, motivated, and responsible. 

● contribute with enthusiasm to an ambitious and highly interdisciplinary team.

● be fluent in written and spoken English.

Offer

We offer you a full-time PhD position, pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after year 1. 

Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions).

● training at the University of Leuven, one of the top European Universities, providing an excellent international research environment.

● opportunities to participate in local and international conferences and thus expand your scientific network.

● an advantageous stipend and benefits based on the University of Leuven employment guidelines.

● the applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO.

Interested?

For more information, please contact:

Christina Vochten - T. +32 16 33 02 95

christina.vochten@kuleuven.be

Your application file should consist of the following documents:

CV

Motivation letter

Two reference letters

Join us in our quest to unravel the mysteries of cancer chemoresistance. Apply now to become part of our cutting-edge research team 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.