项目介绍

2026年5月9日

The lab of Jan Michiels is embedded within the KU Leuven (University of Leuven) Centre of Microbial and Plant genetics and within the VIB (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) Center for Microbiology. The group studies bacterial survival under various stressful conditions. The lab currently consists of ~20 junior lab researchers and is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated PhD student to develop a project studying the role of protein aggregation in bacterial dormancy.

Website van de eenheid

Project

The global antibiotic resistance crisis threatens modern medicine, with bacterial persister cells playing a key role in antibiotic therapy failure and resistance development. Persisters enter a dormant state, often linked to protein aggregation, which depletes key proteins and leads to dormancy. Our previous research has shown that a conserved GTPase is implicated in this process, as it accelerates protein condensate formation and may act as a scaffold for protein aggregation. In collaboration with the candidate, a detailed research plan will be drafted aimed at clarifying how the GTPase drives protein aggregation and dormancy. More specifically, we will identify interaction partners of the GTPase and study how interference with these interactions affects dormancy. 

Profile

• The candidate holds a Master degree in bioengineering science, (bio)chemistry, (molecular) biology or biotechnology with the equivalent of at least distinction (15/20 on the Belgian scale) 
• The candidate has a critical and creative mind 
• The candidate is a true problem solver with a proficiency to overcome technical challenges
• The candidate is a team player with good communication skills
• Proficient use of the English language for both oral and written communication
• The candidate has wet-lab experience and is familiar with standard microbiology techniques; experience with aggregate research is a plus

Offer

• A full-time PhD position for one year; after a positive evaluation, the contract can be extended to three additional years (four years in total)
• A working climate where trust, (international) collaboration, and commitment are essential
• An excellent young, stimulating and supportive international research environment
• High level scientific training at a top-ranked university; training in academic, thematic and soft skills.
• Access to state-of-the art tools and infrastructure

Interested?

Applications should be submitted through this portal by July 6th 2026 and should contain: 

• Full CV including previous research experience and publication list (if applicable) 
• Concise (max 1 page) cover letter describing your motivation and career goals
• List of two references (e.g. master thesis promoter and/or supervisor) with emails and phone numbers
• Transcripts of your bachelor and master studies including all classes followed and marks obtained

Please note that applications missing any of the above will not be considered. Applications sent via email will also not be considered. Please refrain from using AI in your cover letter. 

For more information please contact dr. Natalie Verstraeten (natalie.verstraeten@kuleuven.be). 
You can apply for this job no later than July 06, 2026 via the online application tool

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