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

You will join a research program investigating the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens deploy type III secretion system (T3SS) effector proteins to manipulate host cells. In particular, this doctoral project will focus on the role of bacterial effector chaperones in regulating effector stability, secretion, and functional targeting during infection.
The goal of this research is to systematically dissect chaperone–effector interaction networks in enteropathogens using genetic and proteomics-based approaches.

• You will generate and characterize bacterial strains carrying targeted deletions of T3SS effector chaperones. 
• You will investigate the impact of chaperone loss on effector expression, stability, and secretion using molecular microbiology and biochemical approaches. 
• You will apply quantitative proteomics and interaction mapping approaches to identify chaperone-associated protein networks. 
• You will integrate genetic, biochemical, and proteomics data to understand how effector chaperones coordinate the bacterial virulence program. 
• You will contribute to the analysis and interpretation of large-scale proteomics datasets. 
• You will present your work at scientific meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. 
• You will participate in the supervision of BSc and MSc students and contribute to the collaborative research environment of the laboratory. 
• You will enroll in the Ghent University doctoral training programme and work towards obtaining a doctoral degree.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have a strong interest in molecular microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, or host–pathogen interactions. 
• Experience with molecular biology, bacterial genetics, microbiological techniques, or protein biochemistry is considered an asset. 
• Interest in proteomics, systems biology, or interaction proteomics is an advantage. 
• You are highly motivated, curious, and eager to develop new experimental and analytical skills. 
• You are able to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment. 
• You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• You have good communication skills in English (spoken and written).

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 01/09/2026 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 petra.vandamme@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. Petra Van Damme (petra.vandamme@UGent.be, +32 (0)9/264 51 29).