Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University consistently ranks among the best 100 universities in the world. It has 11 faculties and more than 85 departments, which offer high-quality, research-supported programs in diverse scientific disciplines. Located in the heart of Europe, Ghent is a beautiful and welcoming city with plenty of cultural and leisure activities. Although Dutch is the regional language, most people also speak English.

YOUR TASKS

The Marchal lab (IDLab/IMEC Ghent University, https://idlab.ugent.be/people/802000961346) has an open PhD position within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) project iSTRIDE. The PhD will be in the domain of microbial systems genetics with a focus on developing and applying bioinformatics and AI-based techniques to study adaptive interactions within microbial communities that contribute to Indwelling Device-Associated Infections (IDAIs). This includes optimizing state-of-the-art metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis, developing methodologies for association analysis and applying graph-based methods to study microbial interactions at cellular and molecular level. You will closely collaborate with microbial ecologists (KU Leuven) and experts in AI and bioinformatics (UGent).

Being part of the  Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) project iSTRIDE will not only facilitate in reaching a high level of technical and project-specific excellence, but will also provide you with many opportunities for developing skills that are transferable to a broader landscape of career paths. You will have the opportunity to visit hospital, industry and other academic institutions within the consortium. After completing the program, you will have a thorough understanding of the process from research through innovation to industrial implementation, as well as a strong, career-defining international network.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

•          You hold a Master degree in Bioinformatics, Informatics, Mathematics, Computer science, Biochemistry and/or biotechnology, Engineering, Bioscience engineering, or an equivalent degree. Last year students can also apply.  A strong interest in interdisciplinary resea              rch
• I       Interest/knowledge of statistics, computer science and/or machine learning
•         Interest in biology or molecular biology, microbial ecology
•         Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R and/or C++ as well as Linux systems.
•         Fluency in spoken and written English
•         Interest in contributing to a MSCA Doctoral Network (benefit from the opportunity to spend a number of months working with project collaborators at partner universities)
•        Eligibility criteria:
•         you should not have been awarded a title of PhD (Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible).
•         Should not have resided or carried out your main activity in Belgium, for more than 12 months within the last 3 years

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.
• 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. 
• Your contract will start on 01/05/2026 at the earliest.

INTERESTED?

To apply, forward a copy of your CV, your transcripts, a GRE test and a motivation letter and contact information for two references, to the following email address kathleen.marchal@ugent.be