PhD Student – Department of Head and Skin

Last application date Sep 30, 2025 00:00

Department GE34 – Department of Head and Skin

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master’s degree in Medicine or any related biological studies (e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences)

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Job description

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are an important cause of early vision loss and blindness. Among these, mutations in the PRPH2 gene are particularly common and affect up to 200,000 patients worldwide. However, PRPH2-related disease is highly variable, even within the same family, making it difficult to predict the course of disease, provide accurate genetic counselling, or design effective therapies.
This PhD project aims to better understand the genetic and clinical variability of PRPH2-IRD by studying a large patient cohort with detailed genetic analysis and advanced imaging techniques. The project will focus on identifying genotype–phenotype correlations, characterizing disease progression, and exploring early disease changes. This knowledge is crucial to improve prognosis, patient care guidance and support the development of future gene-based therapies for PRPH2-IRD, for which no treatment is currently available. The PhD trajectory also includes a close collaboration with the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent for the functional research section of the project.

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Medicine or any related biological studies (e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences)
• You have a keen interest in clinical research, ophthalmology, ocular genetics and imaging techniques.
• You can work and communicate in a professional and correct manner with patients.
• You have excellent English and Dutch communication skills, both spoken and written. A strong knowledge of French is recommended.
• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• You are stress-resistant and flexible, with strong organizational skills.
• You are highly motivated and can plan and conduct research accurately.
• You can function well independently as well as in a team.
• You can take initiative and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and critical mind.
• You are motivated towards applying for future competitive PhD grants (e.g. FWO).

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.
• Your contract will start on 01/11/25 at the earliest.
• 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.

How to apply

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected]. We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Bart Leroy or Dr. Maria del Rocío Pérez Baca ([email protected], +32 9 332 63 44; [email protected]; +32 9 332 16 55)