Doctoral fellow

Job description

About the Lab of Virology:
The Lab of Virology is part of the Ghent University Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, located on the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium. Prof. dr. Jolien Van Cleemput focuses on virus and host cell engineering as well as nanoparticle synthesis to (i) perform fundamental virus research, (ii) develop vaccines, (iii) generate antiviral therapies, and (iv) create disease-resistant animals. To do so, the lab uses state-of-the-art molecular models.

Job description:
The Lab of Virology is looking for a talented and self-driven doctoral fellow to unravel fundamental pathogenesis steps of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and alongside develop a genetic cure for FIV. FIV-positive cats must live in isolation to avoid viral spread and will ultimately develop AIDS with lethal consequences. Cost- and efficacy-wise, anti-HIV medicines are not used to treat FIV-positive cats and a tailored cure is urgently necessary. You will be working at the crossroad of molecular virology, genetic engineering and nanoparticle synthesis using state-of-the art technology in all disciplines. More precisely, you will clone and produce the appropriate plasmids to produce infectious clones and virus-like particles. In addition, you will produce different nanomedicines (lipid nanoparticles and virus-like particles), which you will need to test on various cell lines and primary cells from cats to assess their potential for eliminating FIV infection. For the analysis, you will use a wide range of laboratory techniques such as (RT)-(q)PCR, virus titration, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent and confocal microscopy. The ultimate goal is to obtain a doctoral degree.

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 15/11/2024 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).

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in bio-medical sciences, bio-technology, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, human medicine, veterinary medicine or biology.
• You have experience in lab work related to molecular virology or molecular biology.
• You have a great interest in virology and molecular techniques such as cell culture work, virus inoculations and virus assays, molecular cloning, genetic engineering, nanoparticle synthesis, etc.
• You are eager to learn new techniques and new skills. After a training period, you are also able to independently perform experiments.

How to apply

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to jolien.vancleemput@ugent.be before October 9th 2024. We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Van Cleemput (jolien.vancleemput@ugent.be)