Last application date Jul 09, 2026 23:59
Department DI04 - Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health
Degree Master’s degree (preferably) in bio-medical sciences, bio-technology, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, human medicine, veterinarian medicine or biology
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
ABOUT THE LAB OF VIROLOGY
The Laboratory of Virology is part of the Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health at Ghent University, located at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Merelbeke, Belgium. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hans Nauwynck and Prof. Dr. Jolien Van Cleemput, the laboratory conducts research on a wide range of viral diseases affecting both humans and animals. One of the laboratory’s research areas focuses on understanding how environmental stressors, such as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), affect the respiratory system of humans and animals and may increase susceptibility to (zoonotic) respiratory infections. In addition, the laboratory investigates the microbiome of healthy and diseased animals to identify microbial communities that contribute positively to respiratory health. To address these research questions, the laboratory employs state-of-the-art molecular and cellular technologies, providing an innovative and multidisciplinary research environment.
YOUR TASKS
The Laboratory of Virology is seeking a talented and highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in respiratory diseases in pigs, the respiratory microbiome, the zoonotic potential of swine viruses, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on these processes. Porcine respiratory disease complex is one of the most significant health and economic challenges facing the swine industry and results from complex interactions between pathogens, environmental stressors, and host factors. Due to the widespread use of plastics, MNPs are increasingly accumulating in various ecosystems, including agricultural environments. MNPs originating from sources such as textile fibers, plastic enrichment materials, slatted flooring, and components of feeding, drinking, and ventilation systems may play an important role in respiratory health, yet their contribution remains largely unexplored. During your PhD, you will investigate the presence, characteristics, and plastisphere (microbiome) of MNPs on pig farms. In addition, you will study how MNPs and the microbiome influence respiratory health in both pigs and humans by unraveling their fundamental interactions under controlled laboratory conditions. Your research will be situated at the interface of molecular virology, MNP characterization, microbiome research, and bioinformatics. You will collect samples on pig farms, isolate and culture primary respiratory epithelial cells, and analyze transcriptomic, RNA-sequencing, and microbiome datasets. To achieve these objectives, you will employ a broad range of advanced laboratory techniques, including (RT-)qPCR, virus titration, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, nanopore sequencing, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, as well as bioinformatics tools such as R and Python. This multidisciplinary project offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of animal health, environmental pollution, and zoonotic disease, ultimately leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in bio-medical sciences, bio-technology, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, human medicine, veterinarian medicine or biology.
- You have experience with laboratory work related to virology, biology, plastics research, and/or bioinformatics.
- You have a strong interest in virology and molecular techniques, including cell culture, virological assays, DNA and RNA manipulations, as well as data analysis.
- Preferably, you hold a valid category B driving licence and are able to communicate in Dutch.
- You are eager to learn and, after an initial training period, are capable of independently planning and conducting experiments.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected] before July 9th 2026. We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Van Cleemput ([email protected])
