Professor in Molecular Immune Mechanisms in Urinary Tract Infections (10%)

About the role

The VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research is looking for a Principal Investigator who will act as Group Leader at VIB and part-time (10%) Professor at Ghent University. The position is embedded in the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (WE14) and concerns research on molecular immune mechanisms in urinary tract infections. It is financed by VIB under a framework agreement with Ghent University and leads to a temporary, renewable contract until 31 January 2033, with the privilege to devote most of the effort to research.

Key responsibilities

• Build an independent research group and set up or strengthen a network with other researchers within VIB, UGent and beyond.
• Research bacterial and viral urinary tract immunity, combining in vivo approaches with high-throughput methods such as spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, and share results with the department.
• Lecture, when applicable, in immunology, Molecular Pathophysiology and Experimental Therapy, mainly within the Master programme in Biomedical Molecular Biology.
• Supervise bachelor's and master's theses.
• Contribute to the internal and external services of the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology and the Faculty of Sciences.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Urology, Systems Biology, Biotechnology or a related field.
• High-quality research in urinary tract immunology, with publications in international journals and peer-reviewed books.
• Experience in in vivo infection models and in visualizing cell migration and interaction in vivo.
• Able to start and supervise research and to secure funding for it.
• Good didactic skills and leadership qualities; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Required skills

• Strong image analysis skills
• Advanced microscopy techniques
• Spectral flow cytometry
• Wet-lab protocols for single-cell transcriptomics on tissue samples
• Recommended: international mobility, experience with intravital visualization of the immune system and supervision of master's and doctoral students