#### **PhD position on the role of ribosomal protein defects in cancer pathogenesis**  [Link](https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60504506)


**Project**

Mutations targeting different ribosomal proteins (RPs) have been identified in a variety of cancers. We previously showed that the RPL10-R98S mutation has profound effects on the ribosomal protein translation function, driving hypertranslation of the BCL2 and PSPH oncogenes, and creating therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities in RPL10-R98S mutated T-cell leukemia cells. In contrast, other defects such as loss of RPL5, the most common ribosome defect in cancer, hardly affect the cellular translatome. In this project, we will apply functional genomics approaches to understand how RPL5-defective cells get transformed to malignancy and what therapeutic vulnerabilities are present in these cells after transformation.

Profile

- You obtained a medical degree or master in biology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering or any other relevant discipline.
- You have a thorough knowledge and understanding of molecular biology, cancer biology and of techniques used in a modern life sciences laboratory.
- Practical experience in working with mammalian cell cultures and/or with standard molecular biology techniques is a plus (transfection, PCR, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cloning,…). Also having a FELASA certificate and/or expertise on working with mouse models is beneficial.
- Experience on analyzing -omics data and using R-scripting for statistical and data analysis are considered as a plus.
- Apart from being a true team player, the candidate is expected to develop a high degree of independence after initial training, to have a problem-solving attitude and have strong analytical abilities.
- You are fluent in English, both written and spoken, and have excellent communication and presentation skills.

**Offer**

- An exciting job in a friendly and dynamic lab which values human wellbeing and proper supervision of PhD students.
- A stimulating and supportive international research environment at KU Leuven, an international top research institute.
- You will be part of an excellent doctoral school programme offering a variety of training opportunities to broaden your knowledge and academic career skills.
- 1-year PhD position that will be extended for 3 additional years provided a positive evaluation after year 1. The successful candidate will also be encouraged and will get full support to obtain an own fellowship (e.g. from FWO).
- Our lab is situated in Leuven, a charming and vibrant university city that is only a 20 minutes train ride away from the city of Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

**Interested?**

For more information please contact:

Prof. dr. Kim De Keersmaecker, 
tel.: +32 16 37 31 67, 
mail: kim.dekeersmaecker@kuleuven.be 

or 

Mr. Marino Caruso, tel.: +32 16 37 91 35, 
mail: marino.caruso@kuleuven.be

You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2025 via the [online application tool](https://webwsp.aps.kuleuven.be/esap/public/ui5_ui5/sap/zh_erc_esol_go/index.html?sap-ui-language=EN&vacaturenummer=60504506&toepassing=LGH). 


KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. 

The laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer (KU Leuven, Belgium, www.LDMC.be) is looking for a motivated PhD researcher. Whereas a lot of research on disease biology and cancer has focused on dysregulated gene expression at the level of transcription, our lab has built up a strong research track on disease mechanisms due to defective protein translation, for instance by mutations in ribosomal proteins. You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2025. 

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PhD position on the role of ribosomal protein defects in cancer pathogenesis

 COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation. (www.cost.eu) | The TRANSLACORE Cost Action is bridging disciplines and expertise across Europe in order to advance an emerging field in cancer biology: translational control in cancer. It is providing a unique opportunity to understand this biological process leading to reconsider our view of gene expression control in this disease and deliver novel therapeutic opportunities.

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PhD position on the role of ribosomal protein defects in cancer pathogenesis