Job description

In the inter-university VLIR-IBOF project entitled ‘MINDFUL: MIcroglia directed NeuroDegeneration FUeled by Lipid metabolism’, prof. Dmitriev and prof. Vergult will put their expertise together to establish neural organoid models recapitulating aspects of neural-microglia interactions in neurodegenerative diseases at Ghent University.
About project MINDFUL:
Lipid accumulation in microglia is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These lipid-loaded microglia are associated with disease pathology and enhance neuroinflammation, myelin breakdown, and neuronal loss. Although brain lipid metabolism has been known to be altered in MS and AD for a long time, and many genetic risk variants are linked to lipid metabolism, little is known about how these changes are connected to the accumulation of lipids in microglia, and how this promotes neurodegeneration. In this project, we aim to elucidate how lipid metabolism controls microglia-neuron interaction by bringing together unique expertise in Flanders on MS, AD, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative models. By combining this knowhow, we will gain novel insights in the link between altered lipid metabolism and neurodegeneration which can provide new, more effective targets to prevent neurological decline. This is an inter-university consortium project involving Ghent University, KU Leuven and coordinated by Hasselt University (Prof. J. Hendriks).

The PhD student will be engaged in setting up iPSC-derived human neural (brain) organoid model recapitulating neural-microglia interactions, as well as establishing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) approaches and analysis pipelines to perform non-destructive monitoring of neuronal function, DAMs, and multiplexing this with other cutting edge analysis techniques (transcriptomics, mass spectrometry imaging and Raman spectroscopies). The project will require a diverse set of skills in live microscopy, organoids and bioinformatics.
We are looking for a talented and strongly motivated PhD student to join our enthusiastic and young interdisciplinary teams of Prof. Dmitriev (Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, https://www.ugent.be/ge/hsr/en/research/tissue-engineering-and-biomaterials/overview.htm ) and Prof. Vergult (Functional Genomics lab, https://www.ugent.be/ge/biomolecular-medicine/en/research/research-labs/functional-genomics-lab), as part of the MINDFUL research consortium. We provide an open and stimulating working environment, in which teamwork, initiative, a critical mindset and originality are highly appreciated.
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.
We may also request to participate in obtaining external funding (e.g. by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)).

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow (PhD student), 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 01/08/2025 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 Team Personnel Administration 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. 

Job profile

• You obtained a Master of Science in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Bioinformatics or equivalent awarded by the competent institutions in one of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), UK or Switzerland not more than two years ago. (The certificate may have been awarded outside the EEA and Switzerland, but you need to be eligible for external funding by the FWO: https://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/)
• You have a strong interest in (3D) stem cell culture, microscopy, biosensors, genetics and molecular biology. Prior experience with (iPSC) tissue culture, FLIM microscopy and organoids is a competitive advantage.
• You have (basic) bio-informatics skills or are willing to learn. Prior experience with FLIM (performing experiments and data analysis using FLUTE, Flimfit, SPCImage, napari, Python or related software) and/or next generation sequencing data-analysis is considered an advantage.
• You are an accurate and precise worker and possess strong analytical problem-solving skills (creative, critical, thinking out-of-the-box).
• You can work independently, yet you are also a team player.
• Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• You are expected to get involved in supervision of master students, organising conferences and minor teaching activities

How to apply

Applications including a CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), grades, ranking and the email addresses of two potential referees should be sent electronically to both prof. Ruslan Dmitriev (ruslan.dmitriev@ugent.be) and prof. Sarah Vergult (sarah.vergult@ugent.be) by May-15th, the latest.
Top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview (either on-site or via Teams). Starting date will be determined in agreement with the candidate.