The ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI) (Belgium) brings together researchers from the ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) Faculties of Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy. Its aim is to promote fundamental and translational immunology with research axis on molecular immunology, pre-clinical immunology, human and translational immunology (https://u-cri.ulb.be/). The team of David Vermijlen  is looking for a post-doctoral fellow. 

Job description

We are offering a 3-year post-doctoral position at the U-CRI, located in the Biopark Campus (Gosselies, Belgium). You will join the dynamic and international team of David Vermijlen, working alongside motivated PhD students and an experienced research technician. The focus of the team is  on human γδ T cell development and function (Dimova et al. 2015 PNAS; Papadopoulou et al 2020 PNAS; Tieppo et al 2020 JEM; Papadopoulou et al 2020 Immunol Rev; Sanchez Sanchez et al 2022 Nat Commun; Sanchez Sanchez et al 2023 Immunol Rev ; Sanchez Sanchez et al 2024 Nat Commun). You will have the possibility to independently lead your research project, but with sufficient guidance and mentoring, and the possibility to learn a wide set of cutting-edge technologies.

Duration: up to 3 year full time. Preference for ‘international research mobility’ (candidate not in Belgium for more than 24 months during the last 3 years; obtained PhD less than 8 years ago).

Starting date: the expected starting date is in the first half of 2025 but can be agreed flexibly.

Project description

γδ T cells are the ‘third’ type of lymphocytes, besides αβ T cells and B cells, that can rearrange gene segments at the DNA level in order to generate variable antigen receptors. A main difference with conventional αβ T cells is that γδ T cells use their T cell receptor (TCR) to recognize antigens in a fundamentally different way, i.e. they do not depend on classical MHC molecules. γδ T cells can have several roles, including protection against infections and tumors. Like all T cells, γδ T cells develop in the 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, in vitro organoid cultures and humanized immune system mice. A key component of the project will be to obtain insight into the role of particular RNA/protein interactions, thus a strong background in molecular biology is important. The project is linked to a collaboration with the lab of Tom Taghon (University of Gent, Belgium), who are experts in the field of human T cell development.

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.
• You have a proven scientific track record evidenced by relevant publications.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology/biochemistry (for example RNA-protein interactions, immunoprecipitation, CRISPR-Cas9,…)
• Prior experience in immunology is an asset but not mandatory
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) for collaborative research, presentations, and publications.

What we offer

• We offer a full time position as a postdoctoral fellow, with a minimum period of 12 months which can be extended twice taking into account the maximum period of 36 months.
• You will be part of an experienced team including a research technician that will support your work.
• You will have the possibility to follow training activities at ULB 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.

Application

Enquiries and applications should be made to David Vermijlen at David.Vermijlen@ulb.be. Please email a CV, motivation letter, summary of past research and recommendation or contact details of two referees. 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.