Job Description
Job description
ABOUT THE HOST LAB
The BVDK Research Lab and GMP unit CellGENTherapies is developing and manufacturing personalized vaccines (dendritic cell vaccines, lipid nanoparticle RNA vaccines) and T cells therapies (CAR-T) for cancer patients. These pharmaceutical products are cell and gene therapy products or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP). We recently finalized a phase I clinical trial in collaboration with the Dept of Lung Diseases showing the induction of strong immunological responses against selected tumor-specific epitopes after vaccination (J Ingels J et al Cell Reports Medicine 2024). Currently we are producing and further developing RNA, RNA quality testing, lipid nanoparticles and quality testing in collaboration with the Dept of Pharmacology; production of lentiviral particles for production of CAR-T cells and CAR-T cells. CellGENTherapy is currently building a 1000 sqm new facility in the Nobel building at the UZGent.
For the BVDK Research lab we are looking for a m/f/x
PhD Student – Subject: Quality Issues in cell and gene therapies
YOUR JOB
- Development and validation of quality control assays for ATMP characterisation
Design, optimization and validation of assays to characterise ATMPs, including potency, identity, purity, sterility (ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry, HPLC-based analytics) - Process development and technology transfer to GMP
- Development, optimisation and scale-up of production processes for ATMPs, with focus on transfer to GMP manufacturing. Validation and qualification of production process, GMP infrastructure and new equipment (e.g. cleanroom facilities, isolators, cell processing equipment).
Job profile
- You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in pharmacy, biomedical sciences or equivalent Strong interest in cell and gene therapy, biomanufacturing and regulatory science
- You have a structured approach and are eager to work in a GMP environment
- You have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, translational team
- You are eligible and motivated to pursue a PhD degree and defend a thesis at the end of this 4-year project
- You are expected to analyze the data and publish studies relevant to the academic translational community. See Ingels J et al. Cytotherapy 2022 for an examples of such a study.
- This PhD project may be particularly relevant for pharmacist that will specialize as qualified person. The combined experience of GMP production, validation and scientific publication will form a strong foundation for future roles in the biotech/ATMP sector.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Exposure to GMP manufacturing practices, validation, regulatory science and clinical translation.
- A collaborative and dynamic environment within UZ Gent, linked to both academia and clinical excellence.
- Your contract will start as soon as possible.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
How to apply
How to apply
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to ge32sec@ugent.be.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Joline Ingels, +32(0)9/332 65 77
