"Postdoc position on cross-talk between deregulated protein translation and mRNA transcription in T-cell leukemia"

Postdoc position on cross-talk between deregulated protein translation and mRNA transcription in T-cell leukemia

(ref. BAP-2025-497)

Last modified: 01/08/25

The laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer (KU Leuven, Belgium, Lab webpage: www.LDMC.be) is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher, to perform research on the biology of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) within the framework of a research consortium consisting of 5 Belgian research teams.

T-ALL hijacks normal T-cell pathways development to cause a malignant disease. From the numerous studies on the genomic changes that occur in T-ALL, it is clear that chromatin structure, transcription and translation are major processes that are deregulated in T-ALL. However, how specific mutations cooperate and interact to change the cellular mRNA and protein metabolism remains poorly studied. In this project, we aim to deconvolute T-ALL development at single-cell resolution in accurate mouse models of T-ALL by mapping chromatin, transcriptional and protein changes from the early stages of leukemia initiation to the progression towards acute disease.

Website of the unit

Responsibilities

The host lab developed cell culture and mouse models containing co-occurring T-ALL associated mutations that target transcription, translation and signaling. By using a variety of -omics technologies (such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Ribo-seq, proteomics,..), you will characterize the transcriptome and proteome deregulation in these models and unravel the link between transcriptional and translational dysregulation and how these processes influence each other in T-ALL pathogenesis. For these experiments, you will be able to collaborate with dedicated core facilities and expert laboratories, as well as with computational biologists.

This work is part of a large consortium project involving Prof. Jan Cools (KU Leuven – VIB), Prof. Kim De Keersmaecker (KU Leuven), Prof. Steven Goossens (Ghent University), Prof. Panos Ntziachristis (U Ghent) and Prof. Tom Taghon (U Ghent). The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the coordination of this larger project and for supervising students working on different aspects of the project.  

Profile

• You obtained a PhD within the last 5 years or are close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• You have a strong publication record.
• You have a background in cancer biology and/or molecular biology.
• Experience in working with mouse models and mammalian cell cultures as well as with standard molecular biology techniques is a strict requirement (transfection, transduction, PCR, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cloning,…). Having a valid FELASA B or C certificate is a plus. 
• Experience with multicolor flow cytometry and/or in performing or analyzing large-omics experiments is a plus (eg ChIP-seq, Ribo-seq, mass spectometry).
• Apart from being a true team player, the candidate is expected to exhibit a high degree of independence, to have a problem-solving attitude and have strong analytical and technical abilities in addition to excellent communication and presentation skills.
• You are fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Offer

• An exciting job in a friendly and dynamic lab.
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment at KU Leuven, an international top research institute.
• Excellent training opportunities to broaden your technical and academic career skills.
• Funded 1-year postdoctoral position with possibility of extension for at least 1 more year provided a positive evaluation of the candidate. The successful candidate will also be encouraged and will get full support to obtain independent fellowships (Marie-Curie, EMBO, or National funding organizations).
• Our lab is situated in Leuven, a charming and vibrant university city that is only a 20 minutes train ride away from the city of Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

Interested?

Please apply via the online application link if you would like to be considered for this position. Questions related to this job offer can be sent to Prof. Dr. Kim De Keersmaecker via email: kim.dekeersmaecker@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than August 28, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin color, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

• Application procedure
• Working conditions
• Career opportunities

Do you have a question about the online application process? Consult our FAQs or send an email to solliciteren@kuleuven.be