Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M²S) of the KU Leuven, the Aertsen-group is looking for a motivated pre-doctoral researcher to take part in a research program concerning the synbio engineering of bacterial population behavior.
Project
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to develop synthetic biology approaches that enable programming functional heterogeneity within bacterial populations. The research will include the design and engineering of genetic circuitry and population-level control strategies that allow to impose diverse cellular states and task specializations within clonal bacterial populations.
Profile
The applicant should hold a degree that formally qualifies her/him to enter the PhD program of the Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (http://set.kuleuven.be/phd/). An outspoken interest in synthetic biology, bacteriology, molecular biology, cell biology and genetic engineering, together with advanced command of both spoken and written English is mandatory.
Offer
A full time PhD position is offered in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment. Detailed employment conditions will be shared upon contact.
Interested?
Applicants should upload a detailed Curriculum Vitae together with a concise letter of motivation in the online portal.
You can apply for this job no later than August 07, 2026 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 colour, 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.
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