A full-time academic research position is vacant at Department of Development and Regeneration, specifically in the Stem Cell and Developmental Biology (SCDB) research cluster. This position uses resources made available by the Flemish Government through the Special Research Fund (BOFZAP). Applications will be evaluated in parallel and independently by 1) the KU Leuven Research Council in a competitive process across all research domains and 2) the faculty assessment committee. During the first 10 years, teaching obligations as a research professor will be limited. After this period, the position will be converted to a regular academic position.
The Department of Development and Regeneration brings together basic, translational and clinical researchers with expertise in embryology, stem cell biology, human reproduction, and developmental processes in the pre- and postnatal phases. One of the research clusters within this department is SCDB. The SCDB cluster is committed to advancing our understanding of cell identity and development, with applications in regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and disease modelling.
The fundamental goal of the SCDB cluster is to decipher the molecular basis of (stem) cell identity, including processes of cell fate decisions, lineage determination, maturation and reprogramming. This research is conducted in vitro using stem cell-based models, and in vivo using animal models. Equipped with advanced technologies, including single-cell omics, high resolution imaging and multi-omics platforms, the unit investigates the complex molecular events underlying cell transitions. The adult stem cell program further investigates the properties of postnatal stem cells (hematopoietic, epithelial, muscle cells, etc.) and their use in organoid systems to study tissue development and repair.
URL Group BMS: https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/index.html
URL department: https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000640
URL cluster: https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000640/clusterscdb/stem-cell-and-developmental-biology
Website unit
Duties
Research
- We welcome candidates with a strong international profile in basic stem cell and developmental biology, especially those working on epigenetic regulation and emerging stem cell-based embryo models.
- You will develop an international-level research program that fits within the mission of the SCDB cluster and contributes to excellent, curiosity-driven basic research (with translational potential). The appointed candidate is expected to contribute new insights into stem cell fate regulation, identity and lineage determination, potentially uncovering mechanisms relevant to health and disease.
- The research should connect with ongoing research programs within the cluster. This position is intended to complement and extend the SCDB cluster's expertise in basic research, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
- You will establish collaborative relationships within and outside the department. This position is part of a dynamic scientific environment that includes the Leuven Single-Cell Omics Institute (LISCO), the Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI) and the VIB-KU Leuven-centers, among other interdisciplinary platforms. The researcher will participate in collaborative and translational initiatives where relevant.
- The position provides the opportunity to explore new biological principles in stem cell biology, switching between research on disease mechanisms and regenerative strategies, without being limited to specific organs or diseases.
- You are able to secure competitive funding from national and/or international funds, effectively submitting research project proposals.
- You supervise master students and (post)doctorates of a high and international level.
- The candidate is expected to demonstrate scientific excellence through impactful publications and leadership in independent research. We are looking for an outstanding researcher with a proven track record in stem cell biology and/or epigenetics, such as embryonic development or stem cell differentiation. Experience with advanced stem cell models, including 2D and 3D culture systems, organoids and emerging embryo-like models, is a plus.
- A translational mindset and expertise in advanced in vitro systems, such as organ-on-chip or bioengineered models, are a plus.
Teaching
Although the position regards a research professorship at the start of employment, the candidate is expected to gradually contribute to state of the art teaching. This teaching must meet the requirements of academic programs in terms of level, orientation and academic content, in particular it is research-based and -oriented.
You guarantee high-quality teaching in the field of stem cell biology, with a clear focus on program quality. Thus, you contribute to the teaching and pedagogical projects of the university by supervising master's theses and as supervisor of doctoral students.
You develop your teaching in accordance with KU Leuven's vision of activating and research-based teaching, and take advantage of the opportunities for educational professionalization offered by the faculty and the university. Commitment to the quality of the program as a whole is taken for granted.
Service
You are willing to provide scientific, social and internal service related to the cluster, the department and the Group.
Requirements
- You have a PhD degree in the field of stem cell and developmental biology. Experience with epigenetic regulation and emerging stem cell-based embryo models is a big plus.
- You have a strong research record in the field. Research quality is demonstrated by publications in leading (international) top journals.
- International experience is a plus.
- You have demonstrated qualities for academic teaching. Teaching experience is a plus.
- You have organizational skills and a collegial attitude. You also possess leadership skills in a university context.
- The administrative language of KU Leuven is Dutch. If you do not know Dutch or do not know Dutch well enough when you are hired, KU Leuven provides a training offer.
- Your spoken and written English is excellent.
Offer
We offer full-time employment in an intellectually challenging environment. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university conducting both basic and applied scientific research. It has a strong inter- and multidisciplinary focus and strives for international excellence. To this end, it actively cooperates with its research partners at home and abroad. It offers its students an academic education based on scientific research of the highest level.
You will work in Leuven, a historic yet dynamic and vibrant city in the center of Belgium, 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital from the European Union, and less than 2 hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam. Employment is specifically located at Campus Gasthuisberg, with the University Hospital Leuven within walking distance.
Depending on your record and qualifications, you will be appointed to one of the degrees of independent academic staff: assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor. In principle, junior researchers are appointed as assisted professor on the tenure track for a period of 5 years. After this period and a positive evaluation, they are permanently appointed as an associate professor.
KU Leuven is well equipped to welcome foreign professors and their families, and offers practical support in the areas of immigration and administration, housing, childcare, learning Dutch, partner career coaching, etc.
To facilitate scientific integration and research in the first phase, start-up funding of € 110.000 is offered to new professors subject to eligibility criteria set by KU Leuven.
More information
Full application and selection procedure Research Professorships (BOFZAP)
Interested?
More information on the content of the job can be obtained from the academic contact person Prof. dr. Maurilio Sampaolesi, tel.: +32 16 37 31 32, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Rik Lories, tel.: +32 16 37 26 73, mail: [email protected].
More information on the guidelines, regulations and application file is available from Ms. Kristin Vermeylen ([email protected] , tel. +32 16 32 09 07) or Ms. Martine van Nierop ([email protected] , tel. +32 16 32 76 98).
For a full description of the procedure and information on annexes and templates, follow the link 'Full application and selection procedure Research Professorships (BOFZAP)' under 'Offer'. Please read this before you start your application.
Please submit your application in English. For problems with online applying, please contact [email protected].
KU Leuven places great importance on research integrity and ethical conduct and will therefore ask you to sign an integrity statement upon appointment.
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.
