PhD Student in Cancer Research

The TOBI lab (Translational Onco-genomics and Bio-Informatics) has an open position for a highly motivated biomedical researcher with expertise and interest in translational cancer research. Omics based strategies, such as (epi-)genomics and transcriptomics, are opening unprecedented potential for developing novel precision oncology tools for improved diagnosis, prognosis and therapy response prediction of cancer patients. Liquid biopsies are now offering a great potential for minimally-invasive exploration of circulating tumor nucleic acids and cells. However, some questions remain unanswered to grasp the full potential of circulating nucleic acids (cfDNA/cfRNA) in clinicopathologic applications.

The new PhD student will work on a project that aims to obtain further understanding on the origin of nucleic acids that are shed in liquid biopsies, such as blood, using cancer models (mouse and rat) and patient samples of neuroblastoma disease, a rare childhood cancer. Nucleic acids in both tissue and liquid biopsy samples will be investigated. Examples of techniques that will be used in this PhD project include DNA/RNA isolation, DNA/RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, qPCR, digital PCR, amongst others. Sequencing data analysis will be done using data analysis pipelines (Python, R) on the high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.  

About the TOBI lab

The overarching goal of the TOBI-team is to enhance precision cancer management through the development of innovative wet-lab and bioinformatic tools for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive analysis.  Prof. Katleen De Preter is the principal investigator of the TOBI-team (https://depreterlab.sites.vib.be/en ) and member of the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG: https://www.crig.ugent.be/en/prof-katleen-de-preter-phd ). The TOBI-lab is part of the VIB-UGent CMB (Center for Medical Biotechnology) and is affiliated with VIB.AI (Center for AI and computational biology).

The Center for Medical Biotechnology focuses on the development of new and innovative molecular tools and technologies to address human health problems. The center translates its insights to widely applicable research tools, vaccines, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals. The research at CMB pushes the boundaries of biomolecular and bioinformatics research and engineering technologies.

VIB.AI studies fundamental problems in biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes.

• You have a Master in Science (Bioengineering, Biochemistry-Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, or related).
• You are eligible to apply for an FWO grant (check diploma requirements under “Profile and conditions” on https://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/ ).
• You have knowledge and insights in cancer biology and (epi)genomics.
• A Felesa C certificate allowing you to work in an animal lab (mouse and rat) is required.
• You have expertise with laboratory work in a molecular/genetic lab, including DNA- and/or RNA-sequencing technologies.
• Some expertise in bio-informatics and data-mining is a plus.
• You have analytical problem-solving skills, you are a team player, creative, critical, and open-minded.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

You will work in a multidisciplinary environment under the supervision of senior scientists in the TOBI lab and within the broader framework of the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (crig.ugent.be). We offer:

• a starting contract for one year (start 1/9/2025 or 1/10/2025) to prepare for grant application and defense (FWO) and to explore alternative funding opportunities,
• participation in an exciting and rapidly evolving research area of clinically translational genomics,
• being part of stimulating and supportive research teams operating at international level and dedicated to improve survival of patients with cancer,
• embedding within top-research teams with a broad range of expertise,
• access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities ((epi-)genomics, transcriptomics, (single-cell) sequencing, bioinformatics, etc),
• institutional training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills.

Interested candidates are invited to apply via the online system until 1st of August 2025.

Your application must include the following documents:

• A cover letter, your CV
• Your diploma with the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French, or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• Optionally: one or more reference letters, …

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Katleen De Preter (katleen.depreter@UGent.be ). Only applications via the online tool will be considered.