Postdoctoral Position on phagocytosis and tissue repair

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 Sophia Maschalidi lab is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team and study phagocytosis during skin injury and repair. The skin is the largest organ in our body and it acts as our first line of defense to protect us from insults and injury. Tissue repair after skin injury involves the clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes at the wound site as part of resolving inflammation and restoring the barrier. The importance of hastening barrier restoration is reflected in chronic non-healing wounds, such as those associated with diabetes and, in excess healing reactions after wounding leading to pathological scar tissue formation or fibrosis. The Maschalidi team showed that SLC7A11, the cystine/glutamate antiporter, acts as a brake for apoptotic cell clearance and its blocking accelerates cutaneous wound healing in normoglycemic and diabetic mice (Maschalidi et al., Nature 2022).

The current project explores the importance of boosting phagocytosis during primary skin injury repair and at subsequent challenges. We will systematically address the diverse and dynamic transcriptome, interactome and epigenome of phagocytic and neighboring cells in the skin, in the native environment where the phagocytosis takes place.

To this end, we are looking for a motivated candidate with strong expertise in cell biology/immunology and biochemistry. Expertise in epigenetics and imaging is a bonus. You will join a LEO-funded team consisting of highly motivated PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, one bio-informatician and technicians with whom you will work in close collaboration.

Profile

Essential

• PhD in biochemistry/biotechnology, biomedical sciences, cell biology, bio-engineering, or related disciplines
• A strong expertise in cell biology/immunology and biochemistry.
• Expertise in epigenetics and imaging is a plus.
• Keen interest in immunology.
• Experience in working with mouse models (FELASA level 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, including 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.