Postdoctoral researcher – epigenetics & hematopoietic stem cell biology

The lab for Experimental Hematology at the KU Leuven department of Oncology hosts a multidisciplinary team of basic/translational scientists and clinical researchers with a shared interest in hematology and hemato-oncology. The lab is situated on the Gasthuisberg campus, which hosts both the university hospital and the biomedical research groups of KU Leuven, ensuring a close contact between our lab and the clinical department of hematology at UZ Leuven. KU Leuven is the top university in Belgium, and one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe, consistently ranked within the top 50 universities worldwide. Furthermore, Leuven is a picturesque, historic university town with a young and vibrant atmosphere and a strong international allure. Leuven is located 20 km from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections to the Brussels Midi international train station and Brussels airport.

Responsibilities

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the recently established team of Prof. Marlies Vanden Bempt within the lab for Experimental Hematology at KU Leuven. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and transcription factor activity in hematopoietic stem cells, and how these mechanisms are deregulated in pre-malignant conditions such as clonal hematopoiesis, and in lymphoid malignancies.

The selected candidate for this postdoc position will investigate how specific point mutations in epigenetic regulators induce expansion of hematopoietic stem cells using ex vivo primary HSC culture methods, CRISPR genome editing, base editing, tiled CRISPR screening, (single-cell) transcriptomics, and chromatin profiling methods. The position is fully funded, but we expect candidates to apply for competitive personal fellowships (MSCA, FWO, EMBO, etc.) and we will offer extensive support and mentorship during the application process.

Profile

• You hold a PhD degree in molecular biology, hematology, epigenetics, stem cell biology or a closely related field
• A productive scientific track record, including at least 1 first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal (or a paper in the final stages of revision)
• Experience with standard molecular techniques, such as (q)PCR, western blot, cloning
• Experience with mouse handling (Felasa B certificate is a strong asset)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry. Experience with hematopoietic stem cell culture methods is an asset.
• Experience with basic bio-informatic analysis. Experience with the analysis of single-cell sequencing data is an asset.
• Experience with chromatin profiling methods, such as ChIP-seq and CUT&TAG, is an asset
• Experience with CRISPR genome editing, CRISPR screening or base editing is an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team

Offer

• A 1 year full-time postdoctoral position (start date: from January 2027) with the possibility of extension for 2 more years
• The opportunity to work in a team of motivated young researchers with a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, where both scientific excellence and mental wellbeing are highly valued.
• The opportunity to join a newly established, well-funded research group, and to contribute to shaping its scientific direction and lab culture.
• The opportunity to develop and lead an independent research line within the broader interests of the lab in epigenetics in hematopoietic stem cells.
• Close mentorship from Prof. Marlies Vanden Bempt, who has extensive hands-on experience in all proposed experimental approaches and is highly involved in day-to-day scientific discussions and project development.
• The project will benefit from dedicated support from an experienced lab technician
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities for genomics, single-cell omics, flow cytometry and animal research.
• Strong support for applications for competitive postdoctoral fellowships (MSCA, FWO, EMBO), and for other career development activities, such as supervising junior researchers, voluntary teaching activities and the possibility for an international research visit.
• A multidisciplinary research environment with close interactions between molecular biologists, computational biologists and clinician-scientists appointed as hematologists at the university hospital.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Marlies Vanden Bempt, mail: [email protected].

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