PhD Student

Job description

• This position is dedicated to research into pathophysiology of mitochondrial disorders. These are rare disease with a prevalence of 1/5000 individuals, but often carry a high disease burden. During the two last decades, diagnosing these disorders has become much more easy, partly due to progress of genetic diagnostic techniques. However, there is still much to unravel about pathophysiology and certainly about possible treatments for these diseases.
• The aim of this PhD project is to establish a zebrafish model for a specific subgroup of mitochondrial disorders, namely aARS2 deficiencies. This involves collaboration with the Zebrafish core facility, led by Professor Paul Coucke.
• It is expected that you can handle laboratory animals, in this case zebrafish, and that you have experience with CRISPR-Cas and genetic sequencing techniques. Behavioral observations as well as microscopic techniques will be applied to genetically modified zebrafish. On the other hand, biochemical analyzes (spectrophotometry, oxygen consumption, western blotting, BN-PAGE) will have to be carried out. Experience with these techniques is certainly of added value. If certain techniques are not yet known, we can certainly provide training in this area
• After successful implementation of the model organism, therapeutic strategies can also be evaluated and their outcome assessed, using the same techniques as mentioned above and possibly via omics analyzes such as transcriptomics and proteomics
• The finality of the research program involves obtaining a doctoral degree.

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Biomedical sciences.
• Possessing a degree or certificate for laboratory animal science is advisable.

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 01/04/2024 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 your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to arnaud.vanlander@ugent.be.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Arnaud Vanlander (arnaud.vanlander@ugent.be, +32(0)9/3321471)