Job description

The research team of Prof. van Loo and Prof. Esther. Hoste has a vacancy for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of different cell death modalities in keratinocytes and their implications for injury repair and skin tumour formation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the study of the impact of cell death on different stem cell niches in the skin, using mouse models of skin inflammation, wound healing and tumour formation in combination with cell-based assays on cells of human and mouse origin. Stem cells are fundamental mediators of tissue biology. In this project, we will make use of advanced confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, mouse transgenesis, CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide screening approaches and spatial transcriptomics to understand how cell death affects the behaviour of neighbouring stem cells in the skin.

Job profile

  • Master in Sciences: Biotechnology, Bioscience Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biology or a related discipline
  • Prior hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques
  • Highly motivated team player, able to work independently
  • Desirable but not required:
  • FELASA certificate level B or higher

We offer:

  • A 4-year PhD position
  • A multidisciplinary and highly stimulating and supporting international research environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure
  • A multitude of training opportunities organized at Ghent University and VIB to broaden your expertise and skill-set.

How to apply

Motivated candidates are requested to apply online. The application should consist of:

  • Your CV
  • Your motivation letter expressing your interest and suitability for the position
  • A transcript of your master degree

A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.


For more information: please contact Esther.Hoste@irc.vib-ugent.be

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