Apply before 11/08/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Sciences
- Department: WE10 - Biochemie en Microbiologie
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 3 maanden
- Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)
- Required diploma:Master
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
You will join the Laboratory of Microbiology within the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology to contribute to a short-term research project focused on the functional characterization of bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) effector biology.
Your tasks will include:
- Performing functional validation of bacterial T3SS effector biology using molecular microbiology, mammalian infection models and biochemical approaches.
- Performing quantitative fluorescence and confocal microscopy to investigate bacterial infection processes and host cell responses.
- Conducting quantitative image analysis and integrating microscopy findings with previously generated proteomics datasets.
- Contributing to the completion of experimental validation required for the interpretation and publication of ongoing research projects.
- Assisting in data analysis, interpretation of results and preparation of scientific manuscripts.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a Master's degree in Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline.
- You have research experience with mammalian cell culture and bacterial infection models.
- You have hands-on experience with quantitative fluorescence/confocal microscopy and image analysis (e.g. FIJI/ImageJ).
- You have experience with molecular biology and standard biochemical techniques, including cloning and Western blotting.
- Experience with the analysis and interpretation of quantitative proteomics datasets is considered an important asset.
- You have experience with R and/or Python for quantitative biological data analysis.
- Previous research experience in bacterial virulence, host–pathogen interactions or intracellular bacterial infection biology is essential.
- Because of the short duration of the project, you are able to rapidly integrate into an ongoing research programme and independently execute experimental protocols.
- You have excellent communication skills in English and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 1 October 2026 until 31 December 2026.
- Your contract will start on 1/10/2026.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of 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.
- In the field “other documents”: contact details of at least one academic referee.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Petra Van Damme (
[email protected], +32 (0)9/264 51 29. Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
