Postdoctoral Researcher in Cancer Cell Plasticity and Functional Genomics

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB); Vlaams-Brabant; Sur place; EUR 52 000 - 62 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Fully funded position

Career development

State-of-the-art facilities

Collaborative environment

Résumé du poste

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) in Leuven, Belgium, invites applications for a fully funded three‑year postdoctoral position to study molecular mechanisms and genetic dependencies driving cancer cell plasticity, using PDAC as the primary model.

You will lead an ambitious project combining functional genomics, single‑cell and spatial genomics, organoid and in vivo models, with opportunities to pursue new hypotheses and develop collaborations within VIB, KU Leuven, and international

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, or related discipline.
• At least one first‑author work or preprint.
• Strong experimental experience in functional genomics, cancer biology, chromatin biology, in vivo cancer research, or molecular engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to apply for competitive personal postdoctoral fellowships, with PI support.

Formation

PhD in cancer biology

Description du poste

About us

The Laboratory for Functional Genomics and Gene Regulation was established in 2025 at the VIB–KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (CCB). We investigate how changes in gene regulation enable cancer cells to adapt to their environment, switch cellular identities, and evade treatment. By combining functional genomics with advanced cancer models, we aim to uncover biological mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities that conventional approaches may overlook.

The VIB–KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology is located on the University Hospital Campus Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. The center brings together approximately 230 researchers and staff across 12 research groups, with access to cutting‑edge expertise and infrastructure in functional genomics, single‑cell and spatial technologies, flow cytometry, imaging, metabolomics, and animal models. VIB provides a highly international and collaborative research environment, with English as the working language.

Our laboratory is young and growing, with established experimental platforms and several exciting research directions underway. We are now looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to help drive the next phase of our research. Joining at this stage offers a unique opportunity to take scientific ownership, shape emerging projects, develop new approaches, and play an active role in building the laboratory and its scientific network.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular mechanisms and genetic dependencies underlying cancer cell plasticity, using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as our primary model.

Cancer cell plasticity enables tumors to adapt to changing environmental conditions, progress, and develop resistance to treatment. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, with a particular focus on how transcriptional and chromatin regulation shape cancer cell identity and behavior. Using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as our primary model, we seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms of tumor adaptation and identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Our research combines functional genomics with advanced experimental cancer models and mechanistic investigation. We employ CRISPR-based genetic perturbation and screening, organoid and in vivo models, molecular engineering, and single‑cell and spatial genomics. By integrating systematic genetic discovery with detailed mechanistic studies, we aim to advance our understanding of cancer biology while developing innovative experimental approaches to address challenging biological questions.

You will take a leading role in shaping and advancing an ambitious research project within this program. Rather than following a narrowly prescribed project, you will have the opportunity to develop original hypotheses, establish experimental strategies, and pursue discoveries that build on your expertise and scientific interests.

We are particularly interested in researchers who enjoy bridging functional genomics with fundamental cancer biology, who are excited by technically challenging questions, and who want to develop their own scientific identity within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Your profile

Essential qualifications

• A PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline. Candidates approaching completion of their PhD are welcome to apply.
• At least one first‑author research publication or preprint.
• Strong experimental research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Functional genomics, particularly CRISPR-based genetic perturbation and screening.
  • Cancer biology, including tumor models, cancer cell signaling, or cellular plasticity.
  • Chromatin biology and gene regulation, including transcriptional or epigenetic mechanisms.
  • In vivo cancer research, including mouse tumor models and associated experimental techniques.
  • Advanced molecular and cellular engineering, including viral vector design and production, molecular cloning, or organoid culture.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and critically interpret experiments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to apply for competitive personal postdoctoral fellowships, with active support and guidance from the principal investigator.

Additional expertise that would be valuable

• Pooled CRISPR screening, lentiviral or AAV-based delivery systems, or next‑generation sequencing library preparation.
• Pancreatic cancer models, orthotopic tumor models, or FELASA certification.
• Single‑cell or spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility profiling, genetic barcoding, or lineage tracing.
• Experience with computational analysis of sequencing data using R or Python.
• Previous experience mentoring or supervising students.

Experience in all these areas is not expected. We value strong expertise in a relevant field, scientific curiosity, and the motivation to acquire new skills. Training and opportunities to develop additional experimental and computational expertise will be available.

The kind of scientist we are looking for

We value independence, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous experimental thinking. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their research, questions their own hypotheses, and understands that convincing biological discoveries require well‑designed experiments and critical controls.

Equally important is the willingness to collaborate, exchange ideas, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to a positive and intellectually stimulating laboratory environment.

A growing research group offers opportunities that are often harder to find in established laboratories: the freedom to shape a scientific direction, develop new technologies, establish collaborations, and make a substantial contribution to the identity and success of the group. We are looking for someone who is excited by that opportunity.

Our offer

• A fully funded three‑year postdoctoral position, initially offered as a one‑year contract, with extension following a positive evaluation. Funding for the position is independent of personal fellowship applications.
• The opportunity to lead an ambitious research project with substantial scientific freedom and direct involvement in shaping its direction.
• Access to outstanding research infrastructure and expertise, including functional genomics, sequencing, single‑cell and spatial technologies, advanced imaging, flow cytometry, histology, and animal facilities.
• Close scientific mentorship and active support for career development, including the preparation of competitive personal fellowship applications (EMBO, HFSP, MSCA, FWO).
• Opportunities to present research at international conferences, participate in specialised training, and establish collaborations across VIB, KU Leuven, and international research networks.
• A collaborative, international, and supportive environment within a young and growing laboratory, with opportunities to mentor students and help shape the group's scientific culture.

Preferred start date: As soon as possible (flexible by agreement).