Doctoral fellow

Job description

The Laboratory for Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET) at Ghent University, part of the Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology, and Public Health (DI04), has a fully funded full-time position (1 year, with an additional 3 years upon positive evaluation) available for a doctoral student within the framework of the MeMoSA research project. This project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

The global and increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity constitutes a serious public health issue. This pandemic is the result of changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and physical activity. Due to the multifactorial nature of the condition, treatment is also complicated, as each patient requires a unique approach. Additionally, obesity has significant health consequences, with increased risks of serious conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer, as well as psychological and social implications for the child. Metabolomics plays an important role in obesity research, particularly in unravelling complex metabolic processes in the body. This scientific approach enables researchers to study changes in small molecules, known as metabolites.
A first part of this project will involve the optimization and evaluation of an electrospinning-based sampling device. This work will be performed in close collaboration with Prof. Karen De Clerck (material sciences). This device will result in an improved stabilization and subsequent analysis of biofluids. Next, the collected biofluids will be analysed using advanced, but further to be developed analytical techniques including mass spectrometry.
The goal of this project is to gain insight into metabolic changes in children with overweight or obesity through improved metabolomics analyses. This not only aids in understanding the individual underlying mechanisms of obesity but also in identifying biomarkers that, to conclude this project, will help guide targeted interventions.

Your practical research assignment involves conducting scientific research in preparation for a doctorate within the MeMoSA project. You will contribute to:

• Developing and optimizing UHPLC-HRMS methods
• Optimizing an ecological, electrospinning-based sampling device for biofluid stabilization
• Conducting metabolomics analyses on stool and saliva samples
• Processing metabolomics data using multivariate statistics and machine learning
• Conducting an intervention study in adolescents with obesity
• Writing up research results for publication in leading scientific journals
• Presenting your research at national and international symposia
  
  

You will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers in metabolomics, material sciences, and data analysis.

Job profile

• You have a strong motivation for high-quality scientific research with the aim of obtaining a PhD degree.
• You are motivated by a combination of (international) team and individual work.
• You have a vivid interest in interdisciplinary research combining biomedical research (metabolomics, mass spectroscopy) with material science (electrospinning, polymeric samplers).
• You have good analytical and statistical skills, and have experience using R and/or Python, and/or are willing to further develop your skills.
• You have a fluent command of scientific English, both orally and in writing.
• You have at least basic knowledge of (analytical) chemistry and biology, with a general interest in life sciences, and are willing to expand knowledge as needed.

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 01/11/2024 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).

How to apply

Applications, including a motivation letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae (including study results), should be submitted to Prof. Lynn Vanhaecke (limet@ugent.be) by 18/10/2024 12PM CET. More information about the vacancy can be obtained via the above email address or by phone (+32 (0)9 264 74 57). After a pre-selection based on the CV, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. We offer a full-time contract starting preferably between November 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 (to be discussed).