PhD in molecular microbiology

The lab of Jan Michiels is embedded within the KU Leuven (University of Leuven) Centre of Microbial and Plant genetics and within the VIB (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) Center for Microbiology. The group studies bacterial survival under various stressful conditions. The lab currently consists of ~20 junior lab researchers and is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated PhD student.
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Project

Whereas mutations are the driving force for adaptive evolution, many genetic alterations exert negative fitness effects. The effect of some mutations can be buffered by the activity of specific genes encoded elsewhere in the genome. These so-called buffering genes give rise to mutational robustness which implies that a phenotype remains invariant in spite of mutations to its genotype, thereby diminishing the organism’s capacity to adapt to new environments. At present, mutational robustness and evolvability remain poorly understood.

In collaboration with the candidate, a detailed research plan will be drafted aiming to unravel mutational robustness and evolvability in Escherichia coli. The work will involve genome editing (CRISPR), genetics (genome sequencing), bioinformatics and single-cell (microscopy, microfluidics, FACS) analyses of E. coli bacteria and will be centered around the following themes:

• Pathways involved in robustness against de novo mutations
• Type of genetic variation that can be buffered
• Molecular mechanisms underlying mutational robustness

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Offer

Interested?

Applications should be submitted through this portal by July 7th 2025 and should contain:

- Full CV including previous research experience and publication list (if applicable)

- Concise cover letter describing your motivation and career goals

- List of two references (e.g. master thesis promoter and/or supervisor) with email addresses and phone numbers

- Transcripts of your bachelor and master studies including all classes followed and marks obtained

For more info please contact dr. Natalie Verstraeten ([email protected]) or prof. Jan Michiels ([email protected])

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