Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
The Laboratory of Cellular Transport Systems (https://www.labcelltransport.com/), led by Prof. Peter Vangheluwe, and the Laboratory of Chemical Biology (https://www.verhelstlab.net/), led by Prof. Steven Verhelst, part of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, invites applications for a PhD candidate position. The candidate will conduct a joint PhD project investigating Parkinson’s disease under the supervision of Prof. Peter Vangheluwe and Prof. Steven Verhelst.
Project
- Protein production, purification and reconstitution
- Targeted mutagenesis and protein structure analysis
- Biochemical characterization of ATPase and phosphorylation activity
- Cellular imaging/staining (fluorescence and electron microscopy)
- Flow cytometry
- Mammalian cell culture (cell models, including iPSC-derived cell lines)
- Lysosomal immunoprecipitation for multi-omics analysis
- Chemical synthesis
- Integration of biochemical, cellular and chemical biology approaches
Profile
- Master’s degree in “Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology”, with a specialization in “Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology”
- Experience in:
– Membrane protein production, purification and reconstitution in proteoliposomes
– Mammalian cell culture (cell models, including iPSC-derived cell lines)
– Biochemical analysis using functional assays like ATPase and phosphorylation quantification
– Biophysical analysis of purified and reconstituted membrane proteins in artificial membrane environments
– Targeted mutagenesis and protein structure analysis in PyMOL/Discovery studio
- Enthusiastic team player, correct and organised, strong problem-solving skills and proactive mindset
- Proficiency in English, both spoken and written
Offer
- A stimulating, internationally renowned research environment
- The opportunity to contribute to high-end research on Parkinson’s disease
- A close collaboration with international research consortia and funding agencies, generating extra opportunities for future career development
- Access to training and expertise for laboratory techniques
Interested?
For further information, if interested, please contact lab manager Marleen Schuermans: marleen.schuermans@kuleuven.be (+32 16 33 02 13).
You can apply for this job no later than April 13, 2026 via the online application tool
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