PhD on ERC StG DOLIGOAL – Understanding the regulation of dolichol synthesis and interactions with cholesterol metabolism

KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration

Organisation/Company: KU LEUVEN Department KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration Research Field Chemistry > Biochemistry Medical sciences > Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) 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-2026-655 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 PhD candidate will investigate a newly identified interaction between the balance of dolichol intermediates (polyisoprenoids) and the regulation of genes in the mevalonate pathway, which lies upstream of both dolichol and cholesterol metabolism.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• 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.
• Luciferase-based bespoke assay for activation assessment of the SREBP2/SCAP transcriptional regulation pathway.
• Bioinformatics analysis of bulk RNASeq data to determine gene regulatory networks.
• LC-MS-based lipid or metabolomics analysis in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof Bart Ghesquière (VIB-KU Leuven).
• Regular contact with supervisors and other members of the laboratory including presentation of data at weekly lab meetings.
• Supervision of bachelor/master students.
• Dissemination of work at international conferences.

Eligibility criteria

• You have obtained a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology or a related field, with excellent results and a 'distinction' or above.
• You have a passion for science and have the commitment and motivation to pursue completion of a doctorate over four years.
• 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 must be equally capable of working in a group and pursuing independent research goals, as well as an excellent communicator.

Benefits

• A full-time PhD position for 1 year. After a positive evaluation, the contract can be extended to 3 additional years (4 years in total), for which funding has already been acquired.
• 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).
• Expert training in laboratory and bioinformatic techniques required for the completion of the PhD program.
• 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 PhD would begin 01/02/2027, with flexibility in consultation with supervisor.