The laboratories of Animal Genomics (lead by Prof. Michel Georges) and Hematology (Prof. Yves Beguin) in the GIGA Research Center in Belgium are jointly seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative project to identify causative DNA variants and genes associated with human inflammatory bowel disease.

GIGA is located at the Liège University Hospital in Sart-Tilman campus.
https://www.campus.uliege.be/cms/c_9038317/en/liege-sart-tilman  

GIGA website:
https://www.giga.uliege.be/cms/c_4113263/en/giga

Position description:

Through international collaborations of genome wide association studies (GWAS), we have identified 97 genomic risk loci associated with onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the risk loci span up to 250 kilobases of DNA which covers thousands of common DNA variants and up to 5 genes on average. This project aims at identifying the exact causative variants and genes within the GWAS peaks to unveil mechanisms underlying the disease and develop novel treatments and drugs. The already established team (2 senior scientists, 1 postdoc and 1 technician) for this project is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student to join their forces. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge technologies including differentiation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to immune cells in vivo and in vitro, CRISPR/Cas genome editing and single-cell sequencing. The candidate will also analyze data using statistics and bioinformatics. The candidate will be supported by both laboratories and have access to state-of-art core facilities in GIGA research center.

Relevant publications on the topic:

• Vuckovic, D. et al. The polygenic and monogenic basis of blood cell traits and diseases. Cell 182: 1214-1231.e11 (2020).
• Grégoire, C. et al. Comparison of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Different Origins for the Treatment of Graft-vs.-Host-Disease in a Humanized Mouse Model. Front Immunol. 10: 619 (2019).
• Delens, L. et al. In Vitro Th17-Polarized Human CD4 + T Cells Exacerbate Xenogeneic Graft-versus-Host Disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 25:204-215 (2019)
• Momozawa, Y. et al. IBD risk loci are enriched in multigenic regulatory modules encompassing putative causative genes. Nature Commun 9: 2427 (2018).
• Huang, H. et al. Fine-mapping IBD loci to single-variant resolution. Nature 547, 173-178 (2017).

Qualifications:

We will consider a highly motivated scientist willing to join a multidisciplinary team to make ground-braking discoveries. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in science. Experience in the field of biomedical science, cell biology, molecular biology, animal science or computer science would be appreciated. Please note that this research will require using mice. A good level of English is expected.

We offer:

• A high-profile research project, fully financed by highly competitive grants
• A modern, international and well-equipped research environment with state-of-the-art technological platform
• An attractive salary, with health insurance and retirement plan packages, in an affordable, lively and welcoming environment
• Funding available for several years
• The position is available immediately
• Deadline for application: open until filled

How to apply:

Please provide a cover letter in which you present yourself and motivate your interest in the

position, a CV including information about your education, previous work experience and expertise, and two references with contact information. Documents should be sent to srahmouni@uliege.be. Additional information can be obtained at the same email address.