Postdoctoral fellow

Job description

The research group of Prof Tom Taghon at Ghent University in Belgium (www.taghonlab.ugent.be) is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in T cell development and single cell genomics to join the team. We are a dynamic and international lab with a focus on the functional characterization of the molecular mechanisms that control human T cell development (Liang et al. Nat Immunol 2023, Lavaert et al. Immunity 2020; Roels et al. Nat Immunol 2020). As part of the Human Cell Atlas Thymus Seed Network, we have also been involved in high-resolution profiling of the developing human thymus using single cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics (Yayon et al. Nature 2024, Park et al. Science 2020).

The Project:
γδ T cells are an unconventional lymphocyte subtype that fundamentally differs from conventional αβ T cells in their antigen-recognition, MHC dependence and effector functions. Like all T cells, γδ T cells develop in thymus but especially in human the molecular mechanisms of this process are not fully understood. The postdoc will be part of a concerted effort to unravel the details of human γδ T cell differentiation before and after birth using state-of-the-art technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, flow cytometry and in vitro organoid cultures. A key component of the project will be multimodal single cell data (CITE-seq, scATAC-seq) and spatial transcriptomics, thus a keen interest in learning single cell/spatial data analysis is critical. The project is linked to a collaboration with the lab of David Vermijlen (ULB, Belgium), who are experts in the field of prenatal γδ T cell development and effector programming.

Job profile

• You hold a doctoral degree or a diploma or certificate recognized as equivalent by law or in application of the guidelines of the European Union or a bilateral agreement.
• In exceptional circumstances and based on detailed scientific justification, researchers who do not hold such a degree may also be considered, provided they have demonstrated exceptional scientific merit.
• Exceptional scientific merit is defined as having excelled in scientific research and publications at a level at least equivalent to a doctoral degree.
• The grant can only be awarded within the framework of international scientific mobility. This is the case if:
  
  • the researcher has resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship and has not worked or studied in Belgium during that period. However, short-term stays in Belgium are allowed during 24 months, such as holidays, participation in conferences or a short stay to prepare for the period as a postdoctoral researcher
  • the researcher is funded by the Marie- Sklodovska-Curie Action (MSCA) and thus meets the associated mobility conditions.
  • Only for postdoctoral researchers in international mobility
• You have a proven scientific track record evidenced by relevant publications
• You have experience in the computational analysis of single cell and/or transcriptomics data using R/Python. Wet lab experience is beneficial but not essential.
• You have a strong enthusiasm for fundamental research and a scientific interest in the molecular genetics of lymphocyte development
• You are a team player with the ability to work independently
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in scientific English

What we offer:

• We offer a full time position as a postdoctoral fellow, with a minimum period of 6 months which can be extended twice taking into account the maximum period of 36 months.
• In deviation the above, an EEA national, who has previously received a postdoctoral grant in the 12 months prior to an MSCA grant, can exceed the maximum term of 36 months under this MSCA grant provided that the entire term does not exceed 48 months.
• Your contract will start on March 1st, 2025 at the earliest.
• The grant amount is equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5) with the same level of education and seniority and based on the same family situation as the doctoral assistant. The supervisor may deviate from this and assign a higher level based on acquired experience, professional career and demonstrated competences. The grant amount will not be revised in the current year except in case of indexation. 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.
• You will be part of an experienced team including lab technicians and a bioinformatician that will support your work
• We provide expertise in all things T cell development and single cell genomics
• You will have the possibility to follow training activities at UGent and abroad and to attend (inter-)national research conferences
• We will support you to apply for independent fellowships and in other career building activities
• You will have the possibility to initiate and lead independent projects within the group
• We will provide opportunities to connect with other leading labs in the field through ongoing collaborations

How to apply

For further information or to apply (include motivation letter, curriculum vitae and contact information of three potential referees), please contact Prof. Dr. Tom Taghon (Tom.Taghon@UGent.be).
The evaluation of the applicants starts in January 2025 and continues until the position is filled. Preselected candidates will be invited for an (online) interview. Starting date will be determined in agreement with the selected candidate.