Postdoctoral Researcher: Ribosomal Protein Gene Defects as Drivers of Cancer KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven is offering a funded postdoctoral position in the Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer, led by Prof. Kim De Keersmaecker, to investigate how ribosomal protein (RP) gene defects drive cancer development and therapeutic response.

The project sits at the intersection of cancer genetics, ribosome biology, translational control, and translational oncology. RP mutations and deletions are found across hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and the group’s ERC-funded RIBOCANCER program has already shown that these defects can rewire gene expression programs and promote malignant transformation. The successful candidate will build on this foundation using state-of-the-art approaches including Ribo-seq, proteomics, CRISPR-based functional genomics, and cellular and mouse models to uncover mechanistic dependencies and therapeutic vulnerabilities in RP-deficient cancers.

Research themes include codon-specific translation defects, stress response pathways, drug sensitivity, tumor evolution, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine strategies for cancers carrying ribosomal protein alterations. The work is highly translational, aiming to connect fundamental ribosome dysfunction to clinically relevant treatment opportunities.

The postdoc will join the Department of Oncology and the Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), within a collaborative environment that includes expertise in cancer genomics, hematology, RNA biology, translational control, bioinformatics, and access to advanced core facilities for genomics, proteomics, imaging, flow cytometry, and animal research.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD in a relevant discipline (completed within the last 5 years or near completion), a strong publication record, hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology, mouse work, mammalian cell culture, and excellent English communication skills. Experience in ribosome biology, cancer biology, CRISPR/Cas9, functional genomics, and multi-omics analysis will be especially valuable.

The appointment is funded for 1 year with the possibility of extension to 2 additional years after positive evaluation. KU Leuven also encourages and supports applications for independent fellowships such as Marie Curie, EMBO, or national funding schemes. The position is based in Leuven, Belgium, and starts by negotiation any time after 15 September 2026. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled.

Applicants must submit a motivation letter, full CV including publication list, and contact details for at least two referees via the KU Leuven application tool.