Doctoral researcher in Lifestyle EpiGenetics and Male Fertility with a strong background in Bioinformatics (ref. BAP-2023-231)

The Epigenetic Epidemiology Lab at the Department of Human Genetics - Faculty of Medicine KU Leuven in Belgium - seeks a PhD candidate with strong skills in (epi)Genetics and Bioinformatics, as well as high interest in lifestyle related exposures in human. The Epigenetic Epidemiology Lab has an international reputation in the design of epigenetic studies in humans. Major research topics include epigenetic changes because of ageing, obesity-related factors, nutrition, lifestyle, pollution, and other environmental factors. These changes can adversely affect overall health, fertility, childhood growth, pregnancy, as well as health of the next generations. More information about our university: https://www.kuleuven.be/global/

Website unit

Project

In this project the PhD candidate will become part of a team that collaborates with UZ Leuven Fertility Clinic (LUFC), the Genomics Core and international institutes. Part of this collaboration includes a longitudinal study, Epigenetic Legacy of Paternal Obesity, including data and samples from men and women, before and after pregnancy. This research project involves assessment of epigenetic characteristics and patterns in sperm, embryos, maternal and paternal tissues, and/or offspring samples. We hypothesize that these patterns may differ by preconceptional exposures, such as nutrition, lifestyle, obesity, environmental pollutants, etc. If we can identify exposure related patterns, new biomarkers can be developed for future predictions and screening in fertility patients and the general population, respectively.

Your major tasks (based on a 4-year period):

• You perform epigenetic lab tests (ncRNAs, DNA methylation) on human samples.
• You generate new data from human surveys on lifestyle, nutrition, obesity, etc.
• You are interested and motivated to use next-generation sequencing technologies and array-based comparative methods, including Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing Analyzes, Pyrosequencing, Infinium HumanMethylation450,...
• You perform complex statistical analyzes, in the context of your PhD project and to support our team on related topics/projects.
• Where needed, you will apply for EC agreements.
• You are willing to learn techniques within the LUFC team regarding embryo growth.
• You report to the principal investigators and participate in team meetings.
• You present your results at conferences, e.g. in the form of a poster presentation.
• You draw up a PhD plan, based on the collected data, tissues and the needs within the team.
• Within the first year you have finished at least one review or an original article. Based on these results you write a research grant and apply for additional research funding.
• You assist the PI in general tasks, guidance of Master thesis students and teaching (preparing slides, handouts, virtual learning platform, support with exam supervision and feedback, organize small workshops for students).

Profile

• Master degree in a relevant field, such as Bio-Engineering, Biochemistry, (Epi)Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular or Cell Biology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics.
• Enthusiast scientists, preferable awarded by your university or proof of high grades.
• Previous experience in one of the tasks above is welcome. E.g., some experiences with DNA/RNA extractions, qPCR or related lab techniques.  
• You are highly motived to further develop your skills in Epidemiology and Public Health.
• Familiar with statistical programming (such as R, SAS, SPSS,...).
• Good organizational skills, dynamic, and reliable. 
• A good command of English, oral and written. 
• It is important to be self-motivated, an independent worker, but at the same time a team player. 

Offer

The PhD candidate will become part of a small research team and our Human Genetics department, with close collaborations with the Genomics Core and the Fertility clinic UZ Leuven. Our international environment and team have the most advanced technologies available to facilitate the research in this project. Hence, we provide the opportunity to accelerate your skills and join our dynamic and multi-disciplinary research team.

We offer a full-time position for 1 year, renewable after a positive evaluation. Although a maximum of 4 years is foreseen for this PhD trajectory, it is highly warranted that the PhD candidate applies for additional research funding; grant writing will be part of this training program.

KU Leuven offers many fringe benefits, such as a hospitalization insurance, paid vacation days, free commute by public transport, company bicycle or allowance, ecocheques, etc.

More information on benefits, career opportunities and salaries/scholarship for PhDs can be found here: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information

KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. It is highly inter- and multidisciplinary focused and strives for international excellence. In this regard, it actively works together with research partners in Belgium and abroad. It provides its students with an academic education that is based on high-quality scientific research. You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Interested?

Your online application must include:

* Motivation letter.

* CV and transcript of degrees/classes.

* Name of your current supervisor and Master thesis topic (explain in 1 page).

* Three referee letters (including their contact information).

For more information you can contact Prof. Adelheid Soubry, head of the research unit via adelheid.soubry@kuleuven.be, with the subject: "PhD EPI"

This vacancy is open until a strong candidate has been selected; hence, we recommend applying as soon as possible and not to wait until the deadline.

You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2023 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.