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

The HIV Cure Research Center (HCRC), headed by prof. Linos Vandekerckhove (PI) and prof. Sarah Gerlo (co-PI), is dedicated to multifaceted research with the ultimate objective of achieving an HIV cure. Research activities at HCRC are profoundly translational, characterized by the fusion of studies conducted on samples derived from individuals living with HIV, complemented by in vitro and in vivo validation in experimental model systems. Our endeavours encompass three pivotal domains: 1) fundamental research into the establishment and perpetuation of HIV reservoirs, 2) refinement and creation of novel assays for HIV reservoir monitoring in patients, and 3) the development of innovative strategies for eradicating HIV reservoirs. In addition, we aim to take our innovations to the clinical stage, conducting trials that push the boundaries of HIV cure research.
With nearly 40 million people infected worldwide and close to 20,000 in Belgium, HIV remains a major public health problem. The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the quality of life and lifespan of people living with HIV. Although ART potently inhibits HIV replication and partially restores immune functions, it does not completely eliminate the virus, leading to HIV rebound within 2-3 weeks after treatment interruption in all but exceptional cases. The proposed PhD project focuses on the source of viral rebound following HIV treatment interruption. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art technologies (Single Cell RNA Sequencing, ATAC-Sequencing, ChIP-sequencing; MIP-sequencing, phenotypic analysis by Flow Cytometry, and data science training) as well as patient resources (clinical datasets, leukapheresis samples, and ex vivo lymphoid tissues from patients).
Overall, this project aims to uncover new molecular mechanisms driving HIV persistence and latency reversal, offering potential targets for future therapeutic interventions. Through this approach, we seek to lay the foundation for innovative strategies to achieve sustained viral remission and ultimately cure HIV infection.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold or will hold a Master’s degree in Life Sciences or Medicine (e.g. M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, M.Sc. in Molecular Life Sciences, M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, M. Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, …). Students in their final year are eligible to apply.
• You are highly motivated, have a strong interest in scientific research, in particular in the field of immunology and virology, and have a good academic track record.
• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and are interested in both wet-lab work and bioinformatics. You will combine coding with biological insights to investigate and integrate complex data.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R and prior experience with data science, high-throughput omics such as single cell and/or transcriptomics, and statistics, is a plus.
• Expertise in one or more of the following wet-lab techniques is considered an advantage: flow cytometry and FACS sorting, PCR and other molecular biology techniques
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• You can work autonomously as well as in a team. You contribute to a positive work atmosphere where continuous learning, development, and collaboration are paramount.
• You are stress-resistant and flexible, with strong organizational skills.
• You are willing to work together internationally, including possibly staying abroad for a short period of time.
• You are motivated towards applying for future competitive PhD grants (e.g. FWO). Important: please ensure eligibility according to the official regulations: Research Foundation - Flanders - PhD fellowships (fwo.be). In case an FWO grant is not awarded, alternative backup funding will be considered.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 22 months (11 +11), which after a positive evaluation will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• 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.
• You will be part of a larger multidisciplinary team, the HIV Cure Research Center (HCRC), which unites clinicians, scientists, and data experts and works with leading
  international universities and biotech companies to combine fundamental research with clinical innovation in the fight against HIV.
• Your contract will start on 1 September 2026 at the earliest.
• 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?

To apply, please send following documents to Prof. Dr. Sarah Gerlo (Sarah.Gerlo@ugent.be) or Prof. Dr. Linos Vandekerckhove (linos.vandekerckhove@ugent.be):

• CV (including your percentile ranking for bachelor and master, which can be requested at your institution)
• Motivation letter (Max. 1 page)
• A copy of your degrees obtained during your Bachelor/Master studies (if already available), and transcript of your study results. If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• Previous research experience and publication list (if applicable)
• The name and contact details of 1 – 2 references

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. Dr. Sarah Gerlo or Prof. Dr. Linos Vandekerckhove.