Summary
The Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer, led by Prof. Kim De Keersmaecker at KU Leuven, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how ribosomal protein (RP) gene defects drive cancer development and alter response to therapy. Building on the ERC-funded RIBOCANCER program, the candidate will utilize cutting-edge tools—including Ribo-seq, proteomics, and CRISPR-based functional genomics in cancer cell and mouse models—to uncover key mechanistic dependencies, stress responses, and therapeutic vulnerabilities for precision oncology.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Ribosomal Protein Gene Defects as Drivers of Cancer, KU Leuven, Belgium
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (Ref. BAP-2026-486)
Key Information Summary
| Detail | Specifications |
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Researcher: Ribosomal Protein Gene Defects as Drivers of Cancer |
| Reference Code | BAP-2026-486 |
| Host Institution | KU Leuven (Department of Oncology / Leuven Cancer Institute) |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. dr. Kim De Keersmaecker |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Duration | 1-year funded contract (extendable up to 2 additional years upon positive review) |
| Starting Date | Negotiable (Any date after September 15, 2026) |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | August 21, 2026 at 23:59 CET |
Research Area
- Cancer Genetics & Translational Oncology
- Ribosome Biology & Translational Control
- Functional Genomics & CRISPR Screen Engineering
- Hematological Malignancies & Solid Tumors
Location
Leuven, Belgium (Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute – LKI, KU Leuven)
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential Qualifications
- Education: PhD degree in a relevant discipline, obtained within the last 5 years or close to completion.
- Publication Record: Strong track record of research productivity demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
- Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., transfection, transduction, qRT-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry) as well as mammalian cell culture and mouse models.
- Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving skills, capacity to work independently, and strong teamwork capabilities within an interdisciplinary setting.
- Language: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Additional Major Assets
- Expertise in ribosome biology, translational control, and related techniques (e.g., Ribo-seq, polysome gradients, puromycin incorporation assays, proteomics).
- Background in cancer biology or hematological malignancies.
- Hands-on expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and functional genomics.
- Bioinformatics and computational biology skills, particularly in analyzing complex multi-omics datasets.
- Prior experience in writing papers/grants and training or co-supervising students.
Job Description
- Develop and lead research projects examining the role of RP gene defects in cancer initiation and therapeutic response.
- Generate and characterize cellular and animal (mouse) models of RP deficiency using CRISPR-based genome engineering.
- Apply functional genomic and multi-omics approaches to characterize translational dysregulation and downstream molecular pathways.
- Analyze and interpret complex biological multi-omics datasets.
- Supervise and co-train Master’s and PhD students.
- Publish scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed international journals and present results at scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with internal and international research teams.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online using the official KU Leuven Online Application Tool.
Required Documents:
- Motivation Letter detailing research interests and long-term career goals.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete publication list and contact details for at least two references.
Contact: For informal inquiries regarding the position, contact Prof. dr. Kim De Keersmaecker via email at
kim.dekeersmaecker@kuleuven.be.
Last Date for Apply
August 21, 2026 (23:59 CET)
