Somatic mosaicism in hematoinflammation

For an innovative research project at KU Leuven-VIB, Belgium, we are looking for a motivated PhD researcher to contribute to fundamental insights into the role and evolution of somatic mosaicism in unexplained inflammatory and immunological disorders.
Start Date: 2025 (depending on your training schedule)
Duration: 4 years
Funding: FWO
Project: Somatic mosaicism in hematoinflammation. SMID study UZ Leuven (S67807)
Supervision: Prof. Dr. Rik Schrijvers (internal medicine, allergy, and clinical immunology UZL, promoter), Prof. Jonas Demeulemeester (KU Leuven-VIB, integrative cancer genomics lab), Dr. Albrecht Betrains (internal medicine UZL), Prof. Dr. Marielle Beckers (hematology UZL).

Project
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Somatic mosaicism has recently been linked to disease entities such as VEXAS, where somatic mutations cause immune-mediated inflammation combined with hematological manifestations. We suspect that somatic mosaicism plays a significant role in other (primary) immune deficiencies or unexplained diseases, such as Schnitzler syndrome. However, the mechanisms, as well as the temporal and spatial aspects of hematoinflammatory disorders remain poorly understood. This project combines a solid clinical foundation with cutting-edge sequencing technologies and functional testing to investigate the molecular origin of these processes. We aim to understand the interactions between genetic changes and inflammatory mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of clarifying unexplained diseases and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Profile
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What will your role be?
– Collaborate with clinicians (from diverse backgrounds) and basic scientists.
– Participate in recruiting patients and collecting relevant samples.
– Conduct experimental research (single-cell sequencing, deep sequencing, molecular functional assays) in collaboration with a broad research team.
– Critically analyze and present your data, and report your findings in scientific publications and at (inter)national conferences.
What are we looking for?
– A master’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences or equivalent with a very good/excellent academic record.
– Strong interest in immunology, genetics, and molecular biology.
– A self-driven, eager-to-learn, and team-oriented individual with initiative.
– Excellent communication skills (English and Dutch).

Offer
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What do we offer?
– A full-time PhD contract for four years at KU Leuven. Funding is guaranteed (FWO-G0AHL25N), but we also aim to apply for personal funding (application for FWO fellowship during your 1st and potentially 2nd PhD year).
– Access to advanced research facilities and an inspiring scientific environment.
– Training and support for your professional and scientific development.
– Participation in international collaborations and networks in a cutting-edge research field.

Interested?
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Interested?
Send your motivation letter, CV, and reference contacts via this website.
For more information, you can contact Prof. Rik Schrijvers ([email protected]) or Prof. Jonas Demeulemeester ([email protected]) or Dr. Willem Roosens, mail:[email protected].
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