Postdoctoral Researcher in Cancer Cell Plasticity and Functional Genomics

VIB

Vlaams-Brabant

On-site

EUR 42,000 - 52,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Funding for 3 years

Scientific freedom and mentorship

Conference opportunities

Collaborations across VIB & KU Leuven

Job summary

VIB is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study molecular mechanisms of cancer cell plasticity using PDAC as the primary model. You will explore transcriptional and chromatin regulation with CRISPR perturbations, organoid and in vivo models, and single-cell/spatial genomics.

You will lead experiments, shape the project, and collaborate across VIB and KU Leuven, with strong mentorship and career development support. Applications rolling; start asap.

Qualifications

PhD in cancer biology or related discipline; candidates nearing completion welcome.
At least one first‑author publication or preprint.
Strong experimental experience in CRISPR perturbation, cancer biology, chromatin regulation, and in vivo models.
Ability to independently design and interpret experiments; excellent English.
Willingness to pursue competitive personal fellowships with PI support.

Responsibilities

Lead an ambitious PD project on cancer cell plasticity using PDAC as model.
Design, execute, and critically interpret experiments with rigorous controls.
Collaborate across VIB, KU Leuven, and international networks.
Mentor junior researchers and contribute to lab culture.
Prepare competitive fellowship applications with PI guidance.

Skills

PhD in cancer biology

First-author publication

CRISPR perturbation

Cancer biology

Chromatin biology

In vivo models

Molecular cloning

Organoid culture

Independent research

English proficiency

Fellowship applications

Education

PhD in cancer biology

Tools

Viral vector design

Organoid culture techniques

CRISPR screening

Single-cell/spatial genomics

Job description

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).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

For informal enquiries or questions about the research, please contact olaf.klingbeil@vib.be.

VIB and KU Leuven are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe research environment. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination.