项目介绍

2024年12月23日

Job description

The research group of Prof Tom Taghon at Ghent University in Belgium (www.taghonlab.ugent.be) is looking for a motivated PhD student 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 PhD student 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

Your profile:

• You have a Master’s degree in Biology, (Bio)medical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or equivalent
• You have a strong enthusiasm for fundamental research and a scientific interest in the molecular genetics of lymphocyte development
• You are highly motivated to learn computational analysis of single cell and/or transcriptomics data using R/Python. Existing experience in these programming languages and analysis strategies is a benefit
• You are a team player with the ability to work independently
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in scientific English

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on March 1st, 2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. 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
• Mentoring and guidance throughout your PhD will be ensured
• There will be the possibility to follow training activities at UGent and abroad, and to attend (inter-)national research conferences
• 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.