PhD student in Organelle Communication under Particle-Induced Stress

Background
This PhD position is embedded in the further development of mechanistic cell biology research within the particle toxicology research line of the Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology group at the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University. Within the Toxicology team, regeneration and redox biology, together with the study of emerging pollutants using innovative alternative model systems, form the core research themes.
The Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary research institute bringing together over 220 researchers from more than 35 nationalities across six research groups. We conduct cutting-edge fundamental and applied environmental research, while actively collaborating with industry and societal stakeholders. Our research addresses pressing global challenges that require an interdisciplinary approach. Key focus areas include understanding how environmental factors affect living organisms, developing and evaluating sustainable technologies to reduce environmental impact, and monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem services under stressors such as climate change.
By joining CMK, you will become part of an international and collaborative research environment at the forefront of environmental science.

Job content
Mitochondria and the cell nucleus work closely together to regulate stem cell growth, metabolism, and gene expression. This mito-nuclear communication is particularly important during brain development, yet its response to environmental stress remains poorly understood.
In this PhD project, you will investigate how exposure to (nano)pollution, such as tire wear particles, affects mito-nuclear communication during stem cell growth and early neuronal development. You will study how these particles impact mitochondrial function, nuclear gene regulation, and cellular energy balance, using in vitro stem cell-based models, proximity ligation assays and advanced microscopy techniques including TEM, confocal microscopy, FLIM, single-molecule FRET.
This research will contribute to a better understanding of how environmental exposures impact neurodevelopment and human health.
In addition to preparing a doctoral dissertation, you will also present the research results in scientific publications and at national and international conferences. Moreover, you will participate in the ‘Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology’ and contribute to teaching activities within the Department of Biology to a limited extent.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You have a demonstrated background in molecular biology, cell biology, and/or particle toxicology.
• You have relevant experience, preferably with in vitro cell culture techniques for stem cell-based or neuronal models.
• Experience with advanced microscopy techniques will be considered an asset.
• You have a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• You have a critical scientific mindset.
• You posses the necessary skills to function effectively in a multidisciplinary research group. 
• You have good communication skills in English.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a two-year PhD scholarship, which can be extended for an additional two years following a positive interim evaluation.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 06 July 2026.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. Nelly SAENEN, +32-11-268330, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].