Isabelle Hoorens

Ghent University is recruiting a PhD researcher for an interdisciplinary project at the interface of cancer immunology , endothelial cell biology , vascular biology , and immunotherapy . The project investigates how endothelial cells regulate anti-tumor immunity and how they can be reprogrammed to improve cancer immunotherapy, with a specific focus on melanoma and the tumor vasculature. The research team will use state-of-the-art methods including genomics, advanced imaging, cell culture, mouse tumor models, primary patient material, flow cytometry, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and T-cell functional assays. The role is designed for a highly motivated doctoral candidate who wants to contribute to both mechanistic discovery and translational cancer research. Eligibility: applicants should have a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Strong writing skills, good communication, an interest in interdisciplinary research, and very good English are expected. Knowledge of R, Excel, SPSS, or willingness to learn scientific programming is an advantage; Dutch is an additional asset. Funding: this is a fully funded 4-year PhD position. The fellowship starts with an initial 12-month contract and may be extended up to 48 months after positive evaluation. The fellowship amount corresponds to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances and is tax-free under the doctoral fellowship regulations. Deadline: 31 July 2026. Interested candidates should email a CV, diploma copy (if available), and motivation letter to the listed contacts. Supervisors/contacts: Prof. Isabelle Hoorens and Dr. Robin Demuynck at Ghent University.