Doctoraatsbursaal Lipid transfer and communication in neurodegenerative diseases (100%)

About the role

Join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team as a PhD student to investigate how lipid metabolism influences inflammation and repair processes in the central nervous system (CNS). This project focuses on the transfer of lipids to the CNS and how these lipids modulate immune responses and restore myelin integrity in the brain. The goal is to develop innovative nutritional and pharmacological interventions to restore brain function in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

You will explore lipid transport routes to the CNS, identify lipids that promote tissue repair, and work with advanced technologies including lipidomics, lipid imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing, high-resolution imaging, multicolor flow cytometry, and advanced molecular and metabolic assays. The research will utilize patient-derived cells, ex vivo brain slices, and in vivo animal models.

Responsibilities

• Investigate transport routes of lipids to the CNS and their impact in brain diseases.
• Identify lipids that promote tissue repair.
• Utilize advanced technologies such as:
  • Lipidomics and lipid imaging
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing
  • High-resolution imaging
  • Multicolor flow cytometry
  • Advanced molecular and metabolic assays
• Work with diverse models including patient-derived cells, ex vivo brain slices, and in vivo animal models.
• Participate in the MSCA Doctoral Network training program, including:
  • Institutional training and access to facilities
  • Research group activities and seminars
  • Workshops on transferable skills
  • International research workshops and summer schools
  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities abroad
• Develop a personal career development plan to guide your research and training needs.
• Enroll in the doctoral program at the University of Hasselt.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or near completion) in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, biochemistry, biology, neuroscience, or an equivalent field. Final-year students are encouraged to apply.
• Compliance with MSCA Doctoral Candidate criteria:
  • No PhD degree at the time of hiring.
  • Mobility rule: Candidates must not have lived or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the hiring date (short stays, national service, or refugee status procedures are excluded).
  • Eligibility for enrollment in the PhD program at the University of Hasselt.
• Excellent command of English (written and oral), at least B2 level according to the CEFR.
• Strong academic results and/or relevant academic output (e.g., publications, mobility).
• Demonstrable interest in metabolism, neuro-immunology, and translational research.
• Experience in biomedical research (e.g., through internships).
• Willingness to work interdisciplinarily and collaborate with international research teams.
• Experience with brain or immunological research, lipid metabolism, or bioinformatics is a plus.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written).
• Goal-oriented, flexible, and efficient in planning and adapting as needed.
• Ability to contribute actively to a positive work environment and collaborate across research groups.

About the team

The Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Hasselt contributes to sustainable solutions for health-related challenges. The faculty emphasizes excellence in education and research, fostering talent with a global perspective. The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) is a multidisciplinary institute conducting fundamental and applied research to better understand disease processes in autoimmune, neurological, and cardiac conditions.

This position is part of the LipiBgMarie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (DN), funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program. The network spans beneficiaries and associated partners across Europe, offering interdisciplinary research, international mobility, and intersectoral collaboration.

Benefits

• Full-time employment as a doctoral researcher for 36 months (MSCA) + 12 months (University of Hasselt).
• Salary according to MSCA rules, including:
  • Living allowance (adjusted for country coefficient = 1 for Belgium).
  • Mobility allowance.
  • Family allowance (if applicable).
• Gross salary includes full social security, pension, health insurance, and contributions under Belgian regulations.