Dissecting the molecular drivers of platelet activation heterogeneity

The Laboratory for Thrombosis Research of KU Leuven (Campus Kulak Kortrijk) is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated PhD candidate, under supervision of Prof. Claudia Tersteeg. The PhD candidate will be part of the Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, which focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which key hemostatic cells and proteins such as platelets, von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 contribute to health and disease. The research combines fundamental science with translational approaches, including the development of preclinical animal models, novel treatment strategies and diagnostic assays.

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Project

Blood platelets are an essential component of a stable hemostatic plug. Their functions need to be finely tuned in order to prevent bleeding and avoid thrombotic events. At site of vascular lesion, a fraction of platelets loses their aggregatory properties and become procoagulant. These procoagulant activated platelets have been correlated with various clinical events. While their clinical relevance is increasingly recognized, the molecular mechanisms that drive the bifurcation between aggregating and procoagulant phenotypes remain unclear. This project will focus on unraveling novel pathways contributing to procoagulant platelet formation and understanding their function in (patho)physiological settings, by functionally validating candidate genes found using quantitative phosphoproteomics. This will be done using an innovative gene deletion strategy using Cas9-sgRNA in vivo. The results will deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of platelet heterogeneity and identify novel therapeutic targets to selectively modulate platelet function. 

Profile

We seek an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a strong interest in molecular biology and biomedical sciences. Prior experience with gene editing is a plus. 

• The candidate has a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, (bio)chemistry, (molecular) biology or equivalent.
• The candidate has a critical and creative mind, with strong problem-solving skills.
• The candidate is a team player with good communication skills.
• The candidate is willing to work with animals (FELASA B certification is a plus).

• The candidate is motivated to contribute to education within the bachelor's programs in biomedical sciences and medicine.

• The candidate can demonstrate excellent study results.
• The candidate demonstrates proficient use of the English language for both oral and written communication.

Offer

• A full-time 4-year PhD position. The initial contract is for one year, but will be extended after a positive evaluation. The planned start date is October 1st, 2025.
• A close collaboration with the Leuven Viral Vector Core (prof. Rik Gijsbers).
• An enthusiastic multidisciplinary environment, with excellent guidance and supervision.
• High level scientific training at a top-ranked university, with training in academic, thematic and soft skills.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Claudia Tersteeg, mail: [email protected]. 

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