Ilaria Elia

This postdoctoral position at KU Leuven focuses on cancer immunometabolism, a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and metabolism. The research aims to understand how metabolic competition between T cells and tumor cells in different metabolic niches affects the efficacy of immunotherapy. The laboratory employs advanced techniques such as imaging mass spectrometry, multiplex flow cytometry, and 13C tracer analysis to investigate the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells and tumor cells. The ultimate goal is to modulate metabolic activity to enhance T cell infiltration into metabolically challenging tumor regions, thereby improving the overall response to immunotherapy. The successful candidate will design and execute high-quality, hypothesis-driven experiments, collaborate with and help supervise PhD students, technicians, and master’s students, and manage project timelines to ensure the achievement of key milestones. Responsibilities also include contributing to data interpretation, preparing publications and presentations, engaging in national and international collaborations, and presenting research findings at seminars and conferences. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in life sciences, medicine, biotechnology, biosciences, biomedicine, or a related field, with a strong background in cancer biology, immunology, and/or metabolism. Experience with mouse models, mammalian cell cultures, molecular biology techniques, and immunology analysis is required. Additional expertise in bioinformatics or spatial biology is highly valued. The position offers a stimulating and international research environment, with access to cutting-edge approaches such as spatial metabolomics, immune profiling, and humanized mouse models. The contract is full-time for one year, with the possibility of extension for at least two more years based on positive evaluation. The project is ERC-funded, and candidates are encouraged to apply for additional postdoctoral fellowships. KU Leuven is recognized as one of Europe’s most innovative universities and is located in the vibrant city of Leuven, Belgium. The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For further information, applicants can contact Prof. Dr. Ilaria Elia at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted online via the KU Leuven job portal before the deadline.