Postdoctoral Position on IRE1 Biology in Dendritic Cells

Job description

The VIB Center for Inflammation Research is part of the VIB Life Sciences institute and is connected to Ghent University. Our center focuses on the mechanisms driving infection and inflammation.

The Sophie Janssens lab is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our UPR team and study IRE1 signaling in dendritic cells in vivo. Activation of the UPR and IRE1 is typically observed in secretory cells and linked to an adaptive response aimed at restoring protein homeostasis in the ER. The Janssens team noticed that in dendritic cells in vivo activation of the UPR does not seem to be associated with a typical XBP1-driven gene signature (Osorio et al, Nat Imm, 2014 and Tavernier et al., Nat Cell Biol, 2017), but rather with RIDD, and appears closely linked with apoptotic cell engulfment and homeostatic dendritic cell maturation (manuscript in revision).

The current project aims to explore the contribution and regulation of the different downstream signaling outputs of IRE1 (XBP1 versus RIDD) in dendritic cells by focusing on an earlier identified mutation in the IRE1 kinase domain.

To this end, we are looking for a motivated candidate with strong expertise in cell biology and biochemistry, interested in applying cell signaling-related questions to immune cell biology. Expertise in microscopy and imaging is a bonus. You will join an ERC-funded team currently consisting of four highly motivated PhD students, one postdoctoral researcher, one bio-informatician and two technicians with whom you will work in close collaboration.

Profile 

• PhD in biochemistry/biotechnology, biomedical sciences, cell biology, bio-engineering, or related disciplines
• A strong expertise in biochemistry and/or molecular biology
• Expertise in imaging is a plus
• Keen interest in immunology and dendritic cell biology
• Experience in working with mouse models (FELASA C required)
• English verbal and written communication skills required

We offer

• A one-year contract during which you are expected to apply for a personal fellowship
• An enjoyable working environment in a team of highly motivated PhD students, technicians and postdoctoral researchers
• Extensive training opportunities
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment.

How to apply?

Submit your application which includes a CV, motivation letter describing your research interests and career goals, digital copies of university transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s) and contact information of two to three references.