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

An ERC funded full-time PhD position is available to join the Laboratory of Prof. Matthew Wilson in the GPURE: Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Urology and Reproduction subsection of the Department of Development and Regeneration at KU Leuven, Belgium. Our laboratory focuses on human metabolism and rare inherited metabolic disorders, particularly those affecting glycosylation pathways. These ‘Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation’ (CDG) number >200 and lead to a broad range of clinical presentations such as intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities and epilepsy. Through their study we can better diagnose patients and understand the pathological mechanisms, providing treatment targets. Furthermore, we gain profound fundamental insights into underlying biochemical pathways, with implications for more common diseases. We are situated at the heart of a world-class health sciences campus at KU Leuven, with access to numerous state-of-the-art scientific facilities. The successful candidate will also be well situated in a collaborative international context; we currently coordinate an ERDERA network (RADICAL-CDG) aimed at developing novel CDG therapies, consisting of 18 collaborators in 8 countries. Project 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/responsibilities Will Include
• 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. Profile
• 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. Offer
• 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.
• Remuneration according to the KU Leuven salary scale, including travel reimbursement: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions
• The PhD would begin 01/02/2027, with flexibility in consultation with supervisor. Interested? Apply through the ‘Apply for Position’ button on the right. Please include:
• Cover Letter (motivation, career goals, skills, experience)
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Contact details of at least two reference persons
• Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications if applicable) For more detailed information on the research project please contact Matthew Wilson (matthew.wilson@kuleuven.be). Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and the position will be filled as soon as an ideal candidate is identified. There is an absolute deadline of November 30th, 2026. You can apply for this job no later than November 30, 2026 via the online application tool KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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