Laurent Gillet
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PhD student position in immunology / genomics (BOVIGUARD: BOVIne Genomics for Understanding And Reinforcing Defences) University of Liège in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Immunology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
University of Liege
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About this position
The BOVIGUARD project at the University of Liège is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate the genetic determinants of immune variation in Belgian Blue cattle. The project brings together systems immunology, genomics, and bioinformatics to understand how genetic variation shapes immune responses and disease resistance in this breed.
The student will work across a collaborative research environment involving the laboratories of Prof. Laurent Gillet (Immunology, FARAH), Prof. Carole Charlier, and Prof. Keith Durkin (Unit of Animal Genomics, GIGA). The project is designed around close interaction between these laboratories and access to state-of-the-art technologies in immunology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
Research activities include collection and processing of cattle biological samples, immunological assays such as ex vivo stimulation, multiplex cytokine measurements, and spectral flow cytometry, as well as transcriptomic work using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. The project also includes long-read sequencing, whole bovine genome assembly, and integrative analysis of immunological, genomic, and transcriptomic datasets.
The PhD will contribute to identifying genetic variants associated with immune traits through genome-wide association studies, transcriptome-wide association studies, and machine-learning approaches. The work is positioned at the interface of animal health, sustainable livestock production, and fundamental mammalian immunity.
The research environment is multidisciplinary and collaborative, involving researchers, veterinarians, bioinformaticians, and industrial partners, with opportunities to present findings at national and international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, Immunology, Genetics or a related field is required. Applicants must have obtained at least a distinction grade during the 2nd cycle (Master’s) studies. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work autonomously, and the ability to enjoy working as part of a team are required. English proficiency at good level is required.
How to apply
Send a CV and a cover letter by email to Laurent Gillet, Carole Charlier, and Keith Durkin. Applications should be submitted by 1 December 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. at University of Liège
Belgium
Research Interests
Immunology
Statistics
Long-read Sequencing
Biology
Ml
Prof. at University of Liège
Belgium
Research Interests
Immunology
Statistics
Long-read Sequencing
Bioinformatic
Veterinary Science
Prof. at University of Liège
Belgium
Research Interests
Immunology
Statistics
Veterinary Science
Bioinformatic
Animal Husbandry
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.