PhD Student

Job description

The Lung Research Lab within the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Ghent University Hospital is looking for a driven and passionate researcher to join the team. We are specifically seeking a dedicated PhD student who will be involved in translational research focused on unraveling the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD affects over 300 million individuals worldwide and claims the lives of more than 3 million people annually, ranking as the third leading cause of death globally. Despite its staggering impact, therapeutic options that effectively slow down disease progression remain elusive, largely due to gaps in our understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Through compelling preliminary studies, our team has pinpointed Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) as a pivotal player in COPD pathogenesis. In this FWO funded research project, we will use a powerful combination of in vivo experimental COPD models and ex vivo analysis of primary human tissues and cells to comprehensively delineate the roles of TLR7 and elucidate the mechanisms driving COPD progression.

This position offers the chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic and multidisciplinary academic research environment. Moreover, as this project is a collaboration with the University of Technology in Sydney, the possibility of a research stay in Australia is feasible and encouraged.

Job profile

• Master’s degree (or graduation in 2024) in medical sciences, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences or veterinary sciences
• You have (or are willing to obtain) a Felasa C certificate to work with laboratory animals
• You have a strong interest in scientific research
• Work in an organized manner with good reporting skills
• You are a motivated and flexible team player with good communication skills
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills and have a good knowledge of English

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 1 July 2024 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 the Department of Personnel and Organization 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 (in Dutch).

How to apply

For further information or to apply (include motivation letter, curriculum vitae with study results and contact information of two potential referees), please contact: Prof. Dr. Ken Bracke (Email: ken.bracke@UGent.be)