PhD Student - Vakgroep Pathobiologie, Farmacologie en Bijzondere Dieren

Uiterste inschrijvingsdatum Jun 30, 2025 00:00

Vakgroep/directie/dienst DI05 - Vakgroep Pathobiologie, Farmacologie en Bijzondere Dieren

Type contract Contract van bepaalde duur

Diploma Master degree in Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Bio-engineering, Biology or equivalent

Bezettingsgraad 100%

Vacature type Overig academisch personeel

Functieomschrijving

The last decade an increased global incidence of lameness in meat-type chickens attributed to opportunistic bacteria translocating from mucosal surfaces (mostly intestinal tract) to the bloodstream and colonizing bones and joints, typically in femoral and tibia heads and free thoracic vertebrae, has been observed. The disease is called bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) and is currently one of the most important threats for the broiler industry.
Bacterial genera and species mostly involved are Enterococcus cecorum, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species. There is a distinction between pathogenic and commensal isolates regarding genetic background and phenotypical characteristics, including the ability to cause disease in various models.
Pathogenic isolates have a smaller genome, but harbor predicted proteins specifically present in pathogenic strains. Some of these might have a functional role in the pathogenesis. Multiple models have been developed to induce BCO, applying mechanical stress, immunosuppression, inoculation with pathogenic strains, either or not using predisposing triggers, or combinations.
In this project we are searching a motivated PhD candidate that will be part of a project involving multiple persons (funded by VLAIO). The main target of this PhD will be elucidating why strains from Enterococcus cecroum are causing disease, focussing on phenotypically investigating differences (eg biofilm production, epithelial cell and macrophage interactions) between pathogenic and commensal isolates. Also, in vivo modelling is part of the project.

Related papers:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26527707/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36823606/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38786138/

Functieprofiel

• Master degree in Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Bio-engineering, Biology or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills and proficient in English
• Highly motivated and team-oriented
• You have a specific interest in intestinal disese and microbiology
• You have an interest in collaborating with other groups, with continuous direct interactions
• You have the potential to independently figure out how techniques work, and are able to write a full grant proposal under supervision, and design protocols
• You are willing to work with lab animals, mainly poultry

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

Solliciteren

Send your motivation letter, scientific resume, relevant publications (when applicable), and two reference contacts to Prof. Filip Van Immerseel ([email protected])