Belgium Job Openings

Universiteit Gent

Post-doctoral researcher

Ghent

October 1, 2024

Apply before 08/10/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)

Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
Department: EA06 - Elektronica en Informatiesystemen
Occupancy rate:100%
Number of positions: 1
Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
Term of assignment: 9 months
Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
Required diploma:Ph D

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

Within the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant (PASTIME project), we are seeking a post-doctoral researcher in biophysical modeling. The researcher will perform (1) theoretical and computational research using simulations at the molecular scale, and (2) validate research in an experimental setting.

Photoporation is a process where cell membranes are heated to create temporarily a higher permeation rate of molecules, but sometimes the membranes can completely rupture, hence killing the cell. As a first part of the position, the researcher will develop new path sampling methodologies to study the kinetics of membrane rupture processes under non-equilibrium conditions. The path sampling methodology that we use to compute membrane kinetics, will need to incorporate nonequilibrium kinetics. The simulations will help to better understand how flux of molecules through membrane pores happens. This is especially relevant for permeabilization-based intracellular delivery methods, such as photoporation. Modeling work will be validated experimentally at the Department of Pharmaceutics where cell culture facilities and photoporation equipment is available.

The researcher will be embedded in the Biophysical Models for Medical Applications (Bio MMed A, https://biommeda.ugent.be) research group, which creates a motivating environment to perform research. Bio MMed A is part of the Institute of Biomedical Technology (IBi Tech), which is a hub of biophysicists and engineers working on biomedical research questions. Moreover, the researcher will also be embedded in the Biophotonics Research Group of prof. Kevin Braeckmans at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences for experimental work.

Prof. An Ghysels and prof. Kevin Braeckmans will be the researcher’s supervisors. Locally, collaborations within the Cancer Research Institute Ghent network (CRIG, Ghent, Belgium) are encouraged, especially for experimental validation of the research results, and international collaborations with other research groups are also possible.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

(1) You have experience with molecular modeling and experiments with mammalian cells. Experience with photoporation or transfection techniques is an asset.

(2) You are skilled in scientific programming, data analysis, and dealing with large data (computational tools for generating and analyzing data of complex molecular systems), for instance with Python (or equivalent).

(3) You have knowledge of and experience in cell biology and drug delivery.
(4) You have gained academic experience including paper writing, science communication at international meetings, teaching.

(5) You are eager to learn new methodologies, in particular the path sampling simulations.

(6) You have excellent oral and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

(7) You hold a thesis-based doctorate.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will be working in the friendly and dynamic Bio MMed A group. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in molecular simulations through our international network. Locally, you will be able to interact with experts in cancer research and experimental partners, thus allowing to validate your simulation results. You will have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at the Flemish High-Performance Computing Centre (VSC), allowing for high-level scientific training at a top-ranked university.

You will have the opportunity to attend international conferences, publish your results in high-profile journals and visit relevant research institutes.

Ghent University has a generous benefits package open to all its staff members, including a wide range of training and education opportunities in the Doctoral Schools, post-doctoral network, and a wide range of sports and leisure facilities. Ghent is a vibrant, safe, cultural, and welcoming university city allowing great quality of life.

We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 1st of November – 31st of July 2025.
Your contract will start on 1/11/2024 at the earliest.
Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). 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.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required Ph D-degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results, …

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. A. Ghysels (pastime.vacancy@ugent.be).

Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36

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