PhD Student

Job description

Full-time PhD Researcher for the project “Targeting Quorum Sensing Peptides in Human Muscle Ageing”

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.

For a joint project between the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis) and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Department of Geriatrics) we are looking for a m/f/x Doctoral fellow.

YOUR JOB

Sarcopenia, the progressive decline in muscle mass and function in older adults, significantly impacts both quality of life and healthcare costs. As the global population ages, it is becoming an urgent public health concern. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, limiting effective treatment options. Emerging evidence suggests a link between sarcopenia and the oro-intestinal microbiota, though the key contributors remain unidentified.

Within the Translational Research in Immunosenescence, Gerontology, and Geriatrics (TRIGG) consortium (www.trigg.be), we have identified quorum sensing peptides (QSPs) as bacterial metabolites influencing sarcopenia in both in vitro and in vivo models.

In this research project, you will build on these findings and further explore the potential of QSPs as therapeutic targets for sarcopenia, contributing to the development of personalized interventions that promote independent living in older adults. Your work will involve:

• Evaluating the sarcopenia phenotype (clinical measurements) and its correlation with microbial QSPs in biofluids within a large cohort of older adults.
• Investigating biological hallmarks of aging in this population using techniques such as flow cytometry, whole-genome-sequencing, qPCR, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Evaluating the causal role of QSPs in sarcopenia through preclinical mouse models.

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of aging, muscle health, and microbiology with direct translational potential for novel therapeutic strategies.

Job profile

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join the TRIGG consortium (Department of Geriatrics and DruQuaR, department of Pharmaceutical Analysis). This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly translational field where you will perform in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as coordinate a clinical study in older adults.

• You hold a Master’s degree in Medical sciences, Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences, or equivalent.
• You have a strong interest in interdisciplinary and translational research that bridges biology and medicine. The candidate will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the project and develop expertise in areas beyond their initial specialization.
• You are a motivated, diligent and punctual person capable of teamwork and with attention to detail and rigor.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required; knowledge of Dutch is a plus but not mandatory.
• FELASA certification (B or C) is a plus, but can be obtained during the project.
• Having knowledge of or a strong interest in Machine Learning (ML) is a plus.

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 candidate will be encouraged and supported to also apply for additional external funding.
• Your contract will start on 15/04/2025 at the earliest (a later start date is possible, e.g., if you have not yet graduated).
• 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.
• As a PhD candidate, you will work towards a doctoral degree through the Doctoral Schools program at Ghent University under the supervision of prof. Evelien Wynendaele and dr. Anton De Spiegeleer.

How to apply

Send your application or any questions concerning this vacancy to:

➔ Prof. Dr. Evelien Wynendaele, evelien.wynendaele@ugent.be

➔ Dr. Anton De Spiegeleer, anton.despiegeleer@uzgent.be

IMPORTANT: Please put these two email addresses in ALL your communications.

Applications should include:

• Your CV
• A personal motivation letter of maximum 1 page
• A copy of your diploma (if already in your possession)
• A transcript of courses taken, their grades within bachelor and master studies, and the languages the courses were taught in.
• Contact information of minimum two reference persons

After screening, selected candidates will be invited for an online interview as a first contact in a multi-stage selection process.

Your complete online application must be submitted by March 14, 2025, at the latest.