The Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer, led by Prof. Kim De Keersmaecker at KU Leuven, is seeking a highly motivated postdoc to investigate how ribosomal protein (RP) gene defects drive cancer development and response to therapy.
Mutations and deletions affecting ribosomal proteins occur across a wide range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Through the ERC-funded RIBOCANCER program, our group has pioneered the study of cancer-associated ribosomal protein mutations, showing that these defects can
promote malignant transformation through selective rewiring of gene expression programs. However, several open questions remain on the mechanisms through which RP defects contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response.
Using integrated translatome, proteome, and structural analyses, we demonstrated that leukemia-associated RPL10 and RPS15 mutations induce codon-specific translation defects that rewire downstream transcriptional programs (Kampen et al., Nature Communications, 2019; Astier and Caruso et al., HemaSphere, 2026). The successful candidate will build on this foundation to identify mechanistic dependencies and therapeutic opportunities in RP-deficient cancers using state-of-the-art technologies such as Ribo-seq, proteomics and CRISPR-based functional genomics on cancer cell and mouse models.
Translational Perspective
We aim to translate fundamental insights into ribosome dysfunction into novel strategies for cancer treatment. The candidate will investigate how RP defects influence drug sensitivity, stress response pathways, and tumor evolution, with the aim of identifying biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be exploited clinically.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of cancer genetics, ribosome biology, and translational oncology. Findings from this work are expected to provide new insights into the treatment of cancers carrying ribosomal protein alterations and contribute to the development of precision medicine approaches for these patients.
Research Environment
Our laboratory studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying hematological malignancies and cancer development. We value a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages scientific discussion and teamwork. We are part of a vibrant and highly interactive research environment within the Department of Oncology and the Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI) at KU Leuven, uniting cancer clinicians and researchers. KU Leuven consistently ranks among Europe's leading universities and offers an international, collaborative, and stimulating scientific environment.
The successful candidate will benefit from being hosted in a multidisciplinary research team that has extensive collaborations with experts in cancer genomics, hematology, RNA biology, translational control, and bioinformatics, as well as access to state-of-the-art core facilities for genomics, proteomics, imaging, flow cytometry, and animal research.
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Responsibilities
- Develop and lead research on the role of RP gene defects in cancer.
- Generate and characterize cellular and mouse models of RP deficiency (e.g. using CRISPR-based genome engineering).
- Apply functional genomic and multi-omics approaches to characterize translational gene expression dysregulation in these models and identify downstream molecular consequences that are relevant for tumor development and therapeutic response in RP-deficient cancers.
- Analyze and interpret complex multi-omics biological datasets.
- Support collaborations with other (international) research teams.
- Train and co-supervise PhD and master's students.
- Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed international journals.
- Present research at international conferences and scientific meetings.
- Actively participate in the scientific activities of the laboratory.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and creative scientist meeting the following criteria:
Essential qualifications
- You obtained a PhD within the last 5 years or are close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Strong track record of research productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (transfection, transduction, qRT-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry,…) and in working with mouse models and mammalian cell cultures.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently, as well as in an interdisciplinary research team.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills in English.
Additional major assets
- Expertise in ribosome biology or translational control and related techniques (puromycin incorporation assays, polysome gradients, Ribo-seq, proteomics, …).
- Expertise in cancer biology and/or hematological malignancies.
- Expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering and/or functional genomics.
- Bioinformatics and computational biology skills, in particular in analyzing multi-omics datasets.
- Experience in successfully writing papers and grants, and/or in training and supervising students.
Offer
A funded 1-year postdoc position with possibility of extension for 2 years provided a positive evaluation after 1 year. The successful candidate will also be encouraged and will get full support to obtain independent fellowships (Marie-Curie, EMBO, or National funding organizations).
- An ambitious and innovative project at the interface of cancer genetics and ribosome biology in in an internationally recognized research laboratory.
- Access to world-class research infrastructure and facilities.
- Plenty of opportunities for scientific and professional career development.
- A stimulating international research environment in Leuven, one of Europe's leading life science hubs.
- Competitive salary and benefits according to KU Leuven regulations.
Starting date: To be negotiated, any date after September 15th 2026.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Kim De Keersmaecker, mail: [email protected].
In the application tool, you will be asked to upload:
- A motivation letter describing your research interests and career goals.
- A detailed curriculum vitae, including publication list and contact information from at least two references.
Only applications submitted via the tool will be considered. They will be reviewed on a continuous basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
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. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
