Postdoctoral researcher on ERC StG DOLIGOAL – Uncover missing elements in the metabolism of the overlooked lipid dolichol

KU Leuven Department of Development and Regneration

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department KU Leuven Department of Development and Regneration Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number BAP-2026-648 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101300830 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Through identification of a new CDG (Wilson et al. 2024 Cell; PMID 38821050), we were recently able to revise the synthesis pathway of dolichol, a lipid underlying most eukaryotic glycosylation pathways. This, amongst other findings, has profound implications for human health and disease including common diseases such as neurodegeneration and hypercholesterolaemia. We were recently awarded a European Research Council Starting Grant ‘DOLIGOAL’ ( https://research.kuleuven.be/EU/p/he/p1/erc/doligoal ; https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101300830/fr ) to better understand the biochemistry and cell biology of dolichol. The successful candidate will use diverse methodologies to solve missing steps in the metabolism of dolichol, implications for its transport or storage, and the importance of this for human health and disease more broadly.

• Use of broad range of molecular biology techniques including DNA, RNA and protein manipulation, work with bacteria and mammalian cell lines.
• The generation of cellular models using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and other techniques including L2+ cell culture for lentiviral transduction of target cell lines.
• Enzymological analysis of lipid metabolism pathways
• LC-MS-based lipid or metabolomics analysis in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof Bart Ghesquière (VIB-KU Leuven).
• The ability to work independently, formulate original ideas, and contribute intellectually to the work of the lab
• Regular contact with supervisors and other members of the laboratory including presentation of data at weekly lab meetings.
• Supervision of bachelor/master/PhD students.
• Dissemination of work at international conferences.

• You have obtained, or will obtain very soon, a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or a related field.
• You have an excellent track record in terms of publication and other dissemination (e.g. talks at international conferences).
• You have a passion for science are keen to formulate and pursue your own scientific ideas.
• You have a creative, dynamic and analytical mindset.
• You have excellent spoken and written English skills (at least C1 level).
• You have prior training in the use of standard molecular biology techniques and cell culture.
• You have prior training and an excellent track record in biochemistry, enzymology and mass spectrometry methods, ideally in the field of lipid metabolism.
• You must be equally capable of working in a group and pursuing independent research goals, as well as an excellent communicator.

• A full-time Postdoctoral position for 1 year, for which funding has already been acquired. After a positive evaluation, the contract can be extended for at least one additional year.
• A challenging job as part of a dynamic team of 6-8 researchers performing cutting edge research at the forefront of both fundamental and translational science.
• Access to a state-of-the-art research infrastructure at a top-ranked university (typically top 10 in Europe).
• Access to world-class ‘soft-skill’ supplementary training courses provided by KU Leuven.
• The opportunity to travel and collaborate with several international research groups.
• The position would begin 01/02/2027, with flexibility in consultation with supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

• You have obtained, or will obtain very soon, a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or a related field.
• You have an excellent track record in terms of publication and other dissemination (e.g. talks at international conferences).
• You have a passion for science are keen to formulate and pursue your own scientific ideas.
• You have a creative, dynamic and analytical mindset.
• You have excellent spoken and written English skills (at least C1 level).
• You have prior training in the use of standard molecular biology techniques and cell culture.
• You have prior training and an excellent track record in biochemistry, enzymology and mass spectrometry methods, ideally in the field of lipid metabolism.
• You must be equally capable