PhD in mRNA Vaccination and Innate Immunity

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join the Nucleic Acid Immunity Lab at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research.

Lab website: https://www.irc.ugent.be/groups/maelfait-lab

Nucleic acids are potent triggers of immune responses. The presence of virus-derived RNA or DNA molecules activates nucleic acid sensors inside the host cell, which stimulates protective antiviral immune responses. The recognition of viral nucleic acids by the immune system is important in the context of virus infection, but is also highly relevant for vaccination. For example, nucleic sensing of nucleic acids present in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are thought to evoke a protective immune response.

The goal of your PhD project will be to identify the nucleic acid sensors induce protective immunity by mRNA vaccination. During your PhD you will obtain strong skills in nucleic acid immunity, molecular cell biology and in vivo mouse models of mRNA vaccination. Your work will be part of a collaborative effort with the labs of Sophie Janssens (Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine) and Stefaan De Smedt  (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences) aimed at understanding the function of nucleic acid sensors in mRNA vaccines.

• You have recently obtained or will soon be obtaining a Master degree in a Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or related fields.
• (Willing to obtain) a FELASA C license for animal work.
• Enthusiasm for fundamental science and attention to detail.
• Motivation to work with an international team of PhD students, postdocs and technicians.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year to start with. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship will be renewed for an additional 3 years.
• In parallel, the applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO PhD fellowships.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and training in advanced techniques.
• Opportunities for career development, networking, and mentorship.
• A highly stimulating and supporting international research environment.
• Start date: as soon as possible.

Interested candidates can apply through the VIB online application tool (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/134832). Please upload:

• Your curriculum vitae.
• A motivation letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation to join the team.
• Contact information of 2 references.
• University degree transcripts.

A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews. For further information and questions, please send an email to Prof. Jonathan Maelfait (jonathan.maelfait@irc.vib-ugent.be).