The Trellis research group, led by Prof. Els Henckaerts, is a research group that focusses on developing new and innovative gene therapies based on the non-pathogenic adeno-associated virus (AAV). Through studying the virus’ biology, Trellis aims to improve its properties as a vector for therapeutic gene delivery, as well as develop new AAV-based gene therapies for patients. To this end, Trellis is actively contributing to the development of an ecosystem within Flanders and the wider EU region in which the academic and industrial sectors come together to catalyze the development of gene therapies and increase the chance of successfully bringing them to the clinic.
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Project
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a leading vector for in vivo gene therapy, with >200 clinical trials and six products approved in Europe. However, rAAV manufacturing remains inefficient, and manufacturing thus proposes a significant bottleneck for safe and cost-effective AAV-based gene therapy.
A key barrier in resolving this bottleneck is the limited understanding of AAV biology. For example, how host cells, helper viruses, and AAV gene products interact to coordinate replication and encapsidation remains unclear. This means that improvements in rAAV manufacturing approaches are mainly empirically driven and incremental at best.
In this project, the PhD student will explore the regulatory mechanisms that govern AAV genome replication and packaging, focusing on how host cells manage these processes. In collaboration with the lab of Reproductive Genomics (prof. Thierry Voet), the student will furthermore use single-cell transcriptomics tools to identify the genes and gene products that drive AAV replication and packaging across time. Additionally, the effect of genome rescue on rAAV manufacturing will be assessed.
The goal of this PhD project is to obtain critical insights into AAV biology, using virological tools. Moreover, the PhD student will be challenged to translate these findings into improved methods for rAAV production processes, enhancing yield and quality. Ultimately, this will advance gene therapy development and benefit patients with currently untreatable diseases.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biosciences, (Bio-) medical Sciences, Bioscience engineering, Pharmacy or equivalent.
- You have a passion for hands-on experimental research, are interested in fundamental mechanistic virology and enjoy exploring new tools and technologies.
- Experience with basic life science techniques (cell culture, qPCR, western blot…) and working with viral vectors is highly desirable. Experience with RNAseq and/or single-cell methods is a very strong plus.
- A background in computational biology is highly valued. Candidates that do not have this background, are strongly motivated to acquire the relevant skills during the early phases of the PhD, supported by training and in close collaboration with experts in single-cell genomics.
- You have a creative mindset, and are not afraid to scientifically venture into uncharted territories.
- You are motivated to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment, where you are challenged to work independently and critically evaluate your data.
- You have good communication skills and a strong command of English, both written and spoken.
Offer
We offer a PhD position (ideally starting October 1st, 2026) in a stimulating, interdisciplinary and highly translational research environment at KU Leuven. You will get the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art research facilities that nurture novel research initiatives. You will gain in-depth knowledge of gene therapy research and the associated development process. Additionally, you will be exposed to (single-cell) transcriptomics techniques and data analyses. The PhD candidate is expected to apply for a competitive personal fellowship (e.g. an FWO PhD fellowship), with strong support from the supervisors in proposal development and grant writing.
Interested?
For more information please contact Mr. Benjamien Moeyaert, mail: [email protected].
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