PhD position: How molecular assemblies in sperm shape male fertility

In situ structural/cell biology with cryo-ET & expansion microscopy

Dendooven Lab — VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Brussels, Belgium

Start date: Flexible | Duration: 4 years

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join the Dendooven Lab at the VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology. You will work at the interface of structural biology, cell biology, and clinically relevant reproductive research, in close collaboration with a fertility clinic in Brussels.

A large fraction of male-factor infertility remains unexplained, in part due to our limited understanding of sperm molecular biology. In this PhD project, you will investigate how molecular assemblies in human sperm are organized in situ and how this architecture relates to fertility and early developmental success.

You will establish an integrated workflow that combines cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), sub-tomogram averaging and expansion microscopy to map/model key sperm structures in situ across length scales and relate their structure/organization to fertility phenotypes. The work includes include (i) investigating the 3D structure and composition of unknown macromolecular assemblies in sperm in a near-native state using cryo-ET (‘visual proteomics’), (ii) developing expansion microscopy approaches for robust labeling and higher-throughput mapping of newly identified components at the cellular level, and (iii) applying quantitative image analysis to compare structural organization across fertile and infertile donors. The project is embedded in an active collaboration with a local fertility clinic, enabling access to human samples and clinically grounded questions, and providing a direct route to connect molecular organization to fertility-related phenotypes. Relevant recent work includes https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.0... and https://doi.org/10.64898/2025....  

You have:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in structural biology, cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering, computational biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field
• Strong interest in reproductive biology and motivation to address fertility-related questions
• Comfort working at the interface of cellular and molecular biology, including collaborative settings with clinical partners
• Good communication skills and fluency in English

• Experience with quantitative image analysis and/or coding (e.g. Python)
• Exposure to TEM/cryo-EM/cryo-ET or advanced fluorescence microscopy
• Experience handling human-derived samples (reproductive cells/tissues)

• Training in the complete cryo-ET workflow and expansion microscopy, with strong day-to-day mentoring
• An international, supportive lab culture within the VIB–VUB CSB
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the cryo-EM facility (JEOL cryoARM300, screening TEMs; cryo-FIB-SEM planned for 2026)
• Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure for image processing and quantitative analysis

Send your application through the online VIB  tool at the VIB job portal and include:

• Motivation letter (1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• University degree certificates/transcripts
• Contact details of 2 referees

For more information, you are welcome to contact Prof. Tom Dendooven (tom.dendooven@vib.be).

Deadline: 27 January 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative research environment. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities and aim to provide equal opportunities for everyone to thrive.