Karim Vermaelen

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biomedical Molecular Biology at Ghent University This is a full-time postdoc opportunity within the Faculty of Sciences at Ghent University, based in the Department of Biomedische Moleculaire Biologie. The project sits at the intersection of cell biology, cancer research, inflammation, radiobiology, and translational oncology, with a strong emphasis on ferroptosis and cell death pathways in irradiation-based anticancer strategies. The successful candidate will join the Cell Death and Inflammation Unit within the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) and work in close connection with CRIG (Cancer Research Institute Ghent). The research environment brings together Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, and VIB-UGent, offering a multidisciplinary setting that bridges basic mechanistic research and clinically relevant cancer models. The project involves collaboration across several groups and platforms, including the cell death and inflammation research team led by Prof. Peter Vandenabeele, the molecular and cellular oncology expertise of Prof. Geert Berx, and the in vivo radiation platform SmART+ under Prof. Ans Baeyens. Additional collaboration is noted with Prof. Karim Vermaelen and Prof. Jessalyn Ubellacker (Harvard Medical School). The overall scientific goal is to better understand how cell death and inflammation signaling can be leveraged to improve immunogenic anticancer strategies during irradiation, especially through ferroptosis-associated pathways. Applicants must hold a thesis-based doctorate, such as a Doctor of Science in Biochemistry and Biotechnology or a closely related biomedical discipline. The ad specifically looks for an experienced postdoctoral researcher with practical wet-lab experience in preclinical mouse cancer models, a strong interest in immunology and radiobiology, and a FELASA type C or equivalent certificate for animal work. Strong communication and teaching skills, together with a record of relevant peer-reviewed publications, are also expected. The appointment is a contract of indefinite duration, with employment starting at the earliest on 1 September 2026. The application deadline is 31 July 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time. Applications must be submitted online through the university e-recruitment system, and should include a CV plus academic transcript in one PDF, a cover letter, degree documentation, and supporting documents such as a reference letter and animal-work certificate. Email applications are not accepted.