Postdoctoral Fellow in Biomedical Engineering

Ghent University

Belgium

Institution: Ghent University
Department: Department of Head and Skin (GE34)
Position Type: Research Staff (Doctoral Fellow)
Employment: Full-time (100%)
Required Degree: Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, or Biomedical Engineering
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59

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 Research Project

Our interdisciplinary research team is seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidate to explore how dying melanoma cells communicate with the tumor vasculature to shape anti-tumor immune responses.

Combining expertise in dermato-oncology, cancer biology, immunology, and vascular biology, we aim to uncover how immunogenic cell death transforms tumor endothelial cells into functional antigen-presenting cells and how this process can be harnessed for the treatment of melanoma.

The project will involve cutting-edge experimental approaches, including:

Cell culture
Mouse tumor models
Primary patient material
Flow cytometry
Advanced imaging
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
T-cell functional assays

You will contribute to both mechanistic discoveries and translational applications, helping to develop novel strategies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by targeting the dynamic interplay between tumor cells, endothelial cells, and the immune system.

Your Tasks

Explore how dying melanoma cells communicate with the tumor vasculature to shape anti-tumor immune responses.
Work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis.
Closely collaborate with other researchers with complementary skills.
Report study results in writing and orally to the national and international scientific community.
Carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

What We Are Looking For

You can demonstrate good study results.
You have very good writing skills.
You have a thorough knowledge of R, Excel, SPSS, or you are interested in learning scientific programming.
You have good communication skills and an open mindset to engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
You have an interest in interdisciplinary research, including fundamental, translational, and clinical research.
You have thorough knowledge of English, both oral and written.
Mastering Dutch is an additional asset.
Your research qualities are in line with the Ghent University values.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

What We Can Offer You

A full-time position as a doctoral fellow consisting of an initial 12-month appointment, which, after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a maximum of 48 months.
Your contract will start on 1 September 2026 at the earliest.
A fellowship amount equal to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant meeting the doctoral fellowship regulations is exempt from personal income tax.
Staff benefits including:
- Extensive training and education opportunities
- 36 days of annual holiday leave (for a full-time appointment), supplemented by annual fixed bridge days
- Bicycle allowance
- Eco vouchers
- Additional staff benefits