PhD on LINE-1 with application of FWO fellowship

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Advantage Research Field Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 24 Dec 2026
- 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-621 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Our research group is internationally renowned for its research on HIV host factors. We identified LEDGF/p75 and Transportin-SR2 as cofactors for HIV integration and nuclear import. We have recently extended this research to LINE-1, a human retrotransposon implicated in human neuroinflammatory diseases. Drawing on parallels with the retroviral replication cycle, we identified host factors involved in LINE-1 transposition. This PhD project builds upon that work. Specifically, we are investigating the mechanisms by which these host factors facilitate LINE-1 transposition. In addition, we are seeking inhibitors of LINE-1 transposition in both cell culture and animal models. The research also utilizes human neuronal cultures derived from iPSCs and mouse models.

• Master's degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical or biochemical sciences. Master of Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, Bioengineering.
• Motivated to work in a group on a new line of research. Previous knowledge (master thesis) in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, computer science and/or histology are assets. Expertise in working with lab animals (mice) is a bonus.

We offer
a PhD project, supervision and bench fees.
We can fund already the first year, but application and defense of a FWO fellowship in 2027 is required.
Candidate should be eligible for FWO criteria (TOP 20 student) and have a Master Degree from a European university.
Without Master from a European University the application will not be accepted. For more information please contact Prof. dr. Zeger Debyser, mail: zeger.debyser@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Kune Herrebosch, mail: kune.herrebosch@kuleuven.be .

We offer
a PhD project, supervision and bench fees.
We can fund already the first year, but application and defense of a FWO fellowship in 2027 is required.
Candidate should be eligible for FWO criteria (TOP 20 student) and have a Master Degree from a European university.
Without Master from a European University the application will not be accepted.

Eligibility criteria

• Master's degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical or biochemical sciences. Master of Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, Bioengineering.
• Motivated to work in a group on a new line of research. Previous knowledge (master thesis) in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, computer science and/or histology are assets. Expertise in working with lab animals (mice) is a bonus.