Postdoctoral scientist: Microenvironmental sensing of stem cells in human intestinal organoids – impact of obesity

The Gut Peptide Research lab is recruiting an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to investigate how signals from the intestinal lumen or bloodstream are detected by chemoreceptors on intestinal stem cells to influence stem cell lineage commitment. Our goal is to uncover how obesity impacts these stem cell chemoreceptor-driven epithelial trajectories, ultimately defining epithelial function. Our research integrates state-of-the-art techniques ranging from RNA-sequencing to super resolution imaging and metabolic studies in 3D intestinal organoids obtained from patients with obesity and normal-weight organ donors.
The lab is part of the Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID) at KU Leuven (www.targid.eu), leveraging TARGID’s cutting-edge basic and clinical expertise in gastroenterology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, and nutrition to drive high-impact research. This project involves multi-center collaborations, offering the candidate valuable opportunities to expand their professional network and gain hands-on experience in translational research.
The laboratory is strongly international and the university offers a stimulating environment for researchers to achieve their ambitions and to plan their career development.
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Responsibilities
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– Design and execute high-quality experiments
– Helping with data interpretation and playing a key role in publication of project results
– Closely collaborate and supervise PhDs, technicians and master students involved in the project
– Communicate research findings at national and international meetings

Profile
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– PhD in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, nutrition or related field
– Strong interest in fundamental mechanisms of disease
– Good academic performance at MSc and PhD level
– Published articles as first author
– Proficience in written and spoken English
– Creative with a strong interest in innovation
– Able to integrate in an international working environment

Offer
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– Excellent guidance by a dynamic multidisciplinary team
– Support to submit and lead research proposals
– High-level scientific training in a top-ranked university
– A 2-3 year position, with an intial contract of 1 year
– A challenging job in a dynamic and international environment

Interested?
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Please send your CV and motivation letter to Prof. I. Depoortere ([email protected])
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