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

An ERC funded full-time position as a postdoctoral researcher 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. Responsibilities 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. 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.
• 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. Profile
• 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. Offer
• 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.
• Remuneration according to the KU Leuven salary scale, including travel reimbursement: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions
• The position 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, MSc and PhD)
• Contact details of at least two reference persons including your PhD supervisor
• Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications) 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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