Marlies Vanden Bempt
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Top university
2 months ago
Postdoctoral researcher in epigenetics and hematopoietic stem cell biology KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
KU Leuven is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the newly established team of Prof. Marlies Vanden Bempt within the lab for Experimental Hematology at the Department of Oncology. The project sits at the intersection of epigenetics, hematopoietic stem cell biology, and hemato-oncology, with a particular focus on how mutations in epigenetic regulators alter stem cell expansion and contribute to pre-malignant states such as clonal hematopoiesis and to lymphoid malignancies.
The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment at the Gasthuisberg campus in Leuven, with close interaction between the research lab, the university hospital, and the clinical hematology department at UZ Leuven. The research will use ex vivo primary HSC culture systems together with CRISPR genome editing, base editing, tiled CRISPR screening, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, and chromatin profiling approaches. This is a strong opportunity for a researcher who wants to build expertise in mechanistic stem cell biology and functional epigenomics.
The post is fully funded. In parallel, the lab encourages and supports applications for competitive personal fellowships such as MSCA, FWO, and EMBO, and offers mentoring throughout the process. The appointment is for 1 year full-time starting from January 2027, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years.
Applicants should hold a PhD in molecular biology, hematology, epigenetics, stem cell biology, or a closely related field, and should have at least one first-author publication or a paper in revision. Experience with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, mouse handling, bioinformatic analysis, single-cell sequencing analysis, chromatin profiling, and CRISPR-based technologies is highly valued. Strong English communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are important.
To apply, candidates should submit an online application including a detailed CV with publication list, a motivation letter, and contact details for 2-3 references. Informal contact for this position is Prof. dr. Marlies Vanden Bempt via [email protected].
Funding details
Available
What's required
A PhD degree in molecular biology, hematology, epigenetics, stem cell biology, or a closely related field is required. Candidates should have a productive scientific track record with at least one first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal or a paper in the final stages of revision. Desired experience includes standard molecular techniques such as qPCR, western blotting, and cloning; mouse handling (Felasa B certificate is a strong asset); mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry; hematopoietic stem cell culture methods; basic bioinformatic analysis; analysis of single-cell sequencing data; chromatin profiling methods such as ChIP-seq and CUT&TAG; and CRISPR genome editing, CRISPR screening, or base editing. Excellent written and oral English skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team are required.
How to apply
Apply via the online application procedure. Include a detailed CV with your publication list, a motivation letter, and contact details of 2-3 references. For questions, contact Prof. dr. Marlies Vanden Bempt at [email protected].
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