Apply before 31/07/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Sciences
- Department: WE14 - Biomedische Moleculaire Biologie
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration
- Term of assignment:
- Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
- Required diploma:PhD
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 80 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.
CRIG (CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE GENT)
Ghent University (UGent), Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) and VIB-UGent (a life sciences research institute in Flanders), have a strong history concerning cancer research. Over the years, different research teams acquired specific expertise that resulted in internationally renowned cancer research. In addition, clinical applications of novel treatments and diagnostic and prognostic tests were implemented. CRIG (Cancer Research Institute Ghent) stimulates and accelerates cancer research across expertise domains in Ghent, and unites over 80 teams and 700 researchers at UGent, UZ Gent and VIB-UGent (https://www.crig.ugent.be/en).
YOUR TASKS
- 100% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in the context of Ghent University, VIB-IRC and CRIG. We want to bridge basic research and translational research. Your task is to integrate research at the level of cell biology and radiation therapy in clinically relevant models. The research includes a tripartite collaboration between cell death and inflammation research (Vandenabeele-team), the in vivo radiation platform (Small Animal Radiation Therapy (SmART+) system, Prof. Ans Baeyens) (https://www.ugent.be/ge/nl/onderzoek/core-facilities/infinity), and in collaboration with research groups having hands-on experience with clinically relevant cancer models (Prof. Dr. Geert Berx, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, https://www.irc.ugent.be/groups/berx-lab, and Prof. Dr. Karim Vermaelen, https://www.crig.ugent.be/en/prof-karim-vermaelen-md-phd).
- We are looking for a talented and motivated experienced postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in cell death and inflammation research applied on irradiation therapy and ferroptosis. You will join the research groups of Prof. Dr. Peter Vandenabeele and Prof. Dr. Geert Berx, and work in close collaboration with a PhD student and a technician. The project is also in collaboration with a postdoc at the Department of Molecular Metabolism, Prof. Jessalyn Ubellacker, Harvard Medical School (https://hsph.harvard.edu/profile/jessalyn-ubellacker/)
- The multidisciplinary and international team of the Cell Death and Inflammation Unit is embedded within the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) and strives to better understand the signal transduction during cell death and inflammation, and how to apply this on more efficient immunogenic anticancer strategies during irradiation by targeting ferroptosis associated pathways.
- For more information about the research environment we refer to the website of the IRC (www.irc.ugent.be/groups/vandenabeele-lab), the Cell Death Research Hub (https://celldeathresearchhub.com/) and the Belgian Research in Europe website (https://belgian-research.eu/cell-death-and-inflammation-unit-a-double-edged-sword-in-health-and-disease/).
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate (Doctor of Science: Biochemistry and Biotechnology or a subject relevant to biomedical research)
- You have distinguished yourself as a promising researcher during your doctorate and, if applicable, during your postdoctoral studies
- You have practical wet-lab experience with preclinical mouse cancer models and thorough interest in signal transduction in cell death and inflammation, immunology and radiobiology.
- You have a FELASA type C or equivalent certificate to work with laboratory animals
- You have good communicative and didactical skills
- You can present relevant scientific publications in (inter)national peer-reviewed academic journals that are widely disseminated
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration.
- Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). 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, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
- An internationally operating research environment VIB Inflammation Research Center (VIB-IRC) (https://www.irc.ugent.be/), a strong research environment in cell death research (https://celldeathresearchhub.com/), and CRIG as a collaborative network to unite, stimulate and accelerate fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research (https://www.crig.ugent.be/en).
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
- In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results, certificate for working with animals
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Peter Vandenabeele ([email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
