Doctoral fellow

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

In the framework of current running research projects we are looking for an additional PhD fellow. In these projects we identified several differentially expressed microRNAs and circular RNAs by comparing good and badly developing embryos from cattle and horse. The aim now is to study the function of these small ncRNAs during early embryo development.
Are you looking for a challenging job for the next 4 years? Are you fascinated by research and interested in genetic research related to animal and human infertility issues? We are specifically looking for someone to work on the topic “Functional analysis of small ncRNAs in biological fluids and culture media of bovine or equine embryos”. The choice of the species will be determined by the preference of the selected candidate.
Would you like to work in an international team (all communication is in English) with other passionate researchers and postdocs? Then you might be the right candidate to apply for this job!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have a scientific attitude and hold a European Master's degree in biotechnology, medicine, veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering, biology or related … by 1st October 2026. High degrees and hands on experience with molecular genetic techniques serve as a recommendation but are not mandatory. We are especially searching for a motivated, flexible and engaged team player. 
• Master students in their final year which will graduate by 1st October 2026 are encouraged to apply.

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 10/01/2026 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 luc.peelman@ugent.be. 
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. Luc Peelman (luc.peelman@ugent.be , +32 09/264 78 03)