PhD Position — The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy (EURECA) Network
EURECA is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union.
Project title: Investigating the Material State of the Nucleolus in Cancer
Host: Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels South Charleroi BioPark (Gosselies, Belgium)
Lab: RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory (Lafontaine Lab) — www.LafontaineLab.com
About ULB: The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a leading public research university founded in 1834. With 30,000+ students and a vibrant international community, ULB is recognized for academic excellence, critical thinking, and freedom of inquiry. The Lafontaine Lab is based at the Brussels South Charleroi BioPark, a dynamic biotechnology campus in Gosselies.
About the Lab: The RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory (PI: Denis Lafontaine) investigates ribosome biogenesis, RNA processing and modification, and nucleolar organization. We combine molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and high-resolution sequencing (short- and long-read) to understand how ribosome production is regulated in health and disease, with a strong focus on ribosomopathies (e.g., Diamond-Blackfan anemia) and therapeutic strategies targeting nucleolar dysfunction. The PhD thesis will be co-mentored by PI: Vincent Detours (Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, ULB).
Project summary: The nucleolus is a biomolecular condensate formed by liquid–liquid phase separation where early ribosome biogenesis occurs. Its material state is stress-responsive and correlates with disease. This project asks whether, and how, the nucleolar material state is altered in cancer, and what consequences this has for nucleolar function and RNA metabolism.
You will:
1. Quantify nucleolar material state using Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) in cancer cell panels ± chemotherapeutics (e.g., CX-5461, oxaliplatin) and in engineered optogenetic models that tune condensate properties.
2. Map rRNA processing and modification to define molecular “fingerprints” (cell type, disease grade), leveraging short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing.
3. Probe ADAR A-to-I editing in the nucleolus: test the hypothesis that nucleolar sequestration limits excessive ADAR activity by enforcing nucleolar localization and assaying global effects on RNA processing and gene expression.
This project aligns with EURECA’s objectives and will yield new insights into how condensate material state intersects with RNA metabolism and cancer biology.
Your role:
• Generate and analyze imaging (DHM) and sequencing datasets (RNA-seq, Ribo-seq where relevant; nanopore long-read).
• Perform computational analysis: differential expression, splicing, RNA processing and modification profiling.
• Present results in lab meetings, consortium workshops, and international conferences; draft manuscripts.
Candidate profile:
Essential:
• MSc/MRes (or equivalent) in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Physics, or related field (degree completed by start date).
• Solid understanding of gene expression (transcription, RNA processing/modification, translation).
• Comfortable in a Linux/Unix environment; basic shell scripting and Python or R skills.
• Strong quantitative mindset and motivation to develop analysis pipelines for NGS and nanopore data.
• Experience in quantitative microscopy
• Excellent communication skills in English; collaborative, organized, and self-driven.
Desirable:
• Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis (RNA-seq; splicing; modification mapping).
• Familiarity with Nextflow and version control (GitHub/GitLab).
• Exposure to ribosome biogenesis, biomolecular condensates, or advanced microscopy is a plus.
Eligibility (MSCA Doctoral Network rules):
• You must not already hold a PhD at the time of recruitment.
• Mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
What we offer:
• Fully funded PhD position (4 years) with competitive salary and, where applicable, mobility and family allowances (MSCA terms). The University is providing the 4th year of funding.
• International training within the EURECA network (secondments, workshops, summer schools). Each student will benefit from a wide-ranging training between universities, research centers, and industry.
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging and sequencing platforms; strong bioinformatics support via (IB)² (https://ibsquare.be/).
• A supportive, collaborative environment at ULB and the BioPark.
How to apply:
Email denis.lafontaine@ulb.be with the subject line: “EURECA PhD application” and include in a single PDF:
1. CV (max 3 pages) with contact details of 2 referees
2. Motivation letter (max 1 page)
3. Academic transcripts (BSc/MSc)
Optional: links to GitHub/code, preprints, or publications.
Deadline: February 28, 2026, 23:59 CET
Start date: Negotiable, before June 2026
Equal opportunity statement: ULB is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or ethnic background.