PhD position: Airway basal stem cells function in respiratory diseases (ref. BAP-2023-267)

The host laboratory is using a translational approach to understand immune and inflammatory profiles in upper and lower airway diseases, with a specific focus on the respiratory epithelium. Towards this aim, we are interested in understanding how airway basal cell control epithelial homeostasis, and which gene networks govern cell fate decisions induced by (non)-inflammatory signals giving rise to defective epithelial barriers.

Project

In this project, we will explore changes in basal cell diversity and function, epigenetic modification, and the crosstalk with immune cells as potential pathogenic mechanisms in respiratory diseases.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular biology (focusing on comparative transcriptional profiles of basal cells at single cell level), immunology (focusing on the interaction with immune cells) and epigenetics with a perspective on environmental adaptations of basal cells in health and disease. 

Key responsibilities include:

• the handling of primary human epithelial tissue
• establishing and running complex molecular biology protocols for single-cell imaging and sequencing
• being responsible for optimizing protocols for epigenetics and single-cell omics
• reporting and communicating on progress in meetings, publish scientific articles, and participate in national and international conferences.

Profile

• We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with a master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or Bioscience Engineering. 
• The candidate has a genuine interest in mucosal or respiratory immunology.
• Besides excellent organizational and experimental research skills, the candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both in English and in Dutch. Strong academic writing skills are an asset. 
• Experience in human stem cell and developmental biology, classical molecular biology techniques or next-generation sequencing methodologies is an asset. 

Offer

• We are offering a PhD position in a highly motivated, energetic research group within a collaborative department and with connections to a strong network of national and international collaborators. 
• 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
• A competitive salary and benefits by the University of Leuven for four years.
• Candidates are invited to apply for additional (inter)national fellowships. 

Interested?

For more information, please contact both ProfPeter Hellings, mail: peter.hellings@kuleuven.be, and dr Katleen Martens, mail: katleen.martens@kuleuven.be withsubject ‘vacancy PhD fellowship LACI 2023’.

Your application should include a motivationalletter and a CV with references. If the master’s degree has not been obtainedyet, one of the references should be your thesis (co)supervisor.