PhD Student

Job description

Within the framework of an FWO/TBM-funded project, the candidate will perform research in the (pre-) clinical validation of the novel Nuclear Transfer (NT) technology in assisted reproductive technology for two specific indications, being (1) female-related infertility and (2) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases. The NT technology involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from a patient’s diseased or inferior quality oocyte or zygote to a healthy donor counterpart from which the nuclear genome was removed. The resulting NT embryos contain the nuclear DNA from both prospective parents and the cytoplasm, including the mtDNA, originating from the donor. More recently, NT technology has also been proposed to overcome specific female-related infertility indications that could be attributed to inferior oocyte quality, for which generally oocyte donation is advised. The candidate will focus on the safety considerations in using NT technology, by extensive -omics analyses (genomic, transcriptomics, epigenomics) of NT embryos, next to the detection of mutations responsible for infertility or mitochondrial diseases.

The PhD position is available in the research groups of prof. dr. ir. Björn Menten (Center for Medical Genetics) and prof. dr. Björn Heindryckx (Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team).

Tasks:

• Biomedical research (coordinating and performing) in preparation of a PhD thesis.
• Write, present, and publish scientific research work in English to obtain the requirements for a PhD thesis.
• Contribute to the daily activities of the research group.
  
  

Our labs offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary academic research environment with close interaction between clinicians and basic scientists and with (inter)national collaborations. Research stays abroad and attendance at international conferences are encouraged. The candidate will follow a PhD trajectory at Ghent University, which offers ample opportunities for education and training through the doctoral schools program.

Job profile

• Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical sciences, Veterinary sciences or equivalent.
• You have a strong interest in genetics and molecular biology and are prepared to acquire new techniques.
• Prior experience with (stem) cell/embryo culture, PCR, cloning, next-generation sequencing, and data-analysis is considered an advantage.
• You take initiative, have a critical mindset, and strive to work independently.
• You are highly motivated and a flexible team player.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills and have a good knowledge of English.
• You work in an organized manner with good reporting skills.
• You have (or are willing to obtain) a FELASA C certificate to work with laboratory animals.
• Candidates who are eligible to submit a PhD research project to other funding agencies, will be considered as an advantage.
  
  

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 06/01/2024 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

Send a motivation letter and curriculum vitae with detailed study results (per year) to Prof. Dr. Björn Menten (Email: Bjorn.Menten@UGent.be) or Prof. Dr. Björn Heindryckx (Email: Bjorn.Heindryckx@UGent.be).

Please also include extracurricular activities and the contact information of two references.