PhD Student
Job description
Within the framework of an FWO/TBM-funded project, the candidate will perform research in the (pre-) clinical validation of the novel Nuclear Transfer (NT) technology in assisted reproductive technology for two specific indications, being (1) female-related infertility and (2) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases. The NT technology involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from a patient’s diseased or inferior quality oocyte or zygote to a healthy donor counterpart from which the nuclear genome was removed. The resulting NT embryos contain the nuclear DNA from both prospective parents and the cytoplasm, including the mtDNA, originating from the donor. More recently, NT technology has also been proposed to overcome specific female-related infertility indications that could be attributed to inferior oocyte quality, for which generally oocyte donation is advised. The candidate will focus on the safety considerations in using NT technology, by extensive -omics analyses (genomic, transcriptomics, epigenomics) of NT embryos, next to the detection of mutations responsible for infertility or mitochondrial diseases.
The PhD position is available in the research groups of prof. dr. ir. Björn Menten (Center for Medical Genetics) and prof. dr. Björn Heindryckx (Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team).
Tasks:
Our labs offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary academic research environment with close interaction between clinicians and basic scientists and with (inter)national collaborations. Research stays abroad and attendance at international conferences are encouraged. The candidate will follow a PhD trajectory at Ghent University, which offers ample opportunities for education and training through the doctoral schools program.
Job profile
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
How to apply
Send a motivation letter and curriculum vitae with detailed study results (per year) to Prof. Dr. Björn Menten (Email: Bjorn.Menten@UGent.be) or Prof. Dr. Björn Heindryckx (Email: Bjorn.Heindryckx@UGent.be).
Please also include extracurricular activities and the contact information of two references.
Last application date
May 15, 2024 00:00
Department
GE31 - Department of Biomolecular Medicine
Contract
Limited duration
Degree
Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical sciences, or equivalent
Occupancy rate
100%
Vacancy type
Research staff
Academic Europe, the European career network for Academics, Researchers and Scientists