Professor in Biomedical Biotechnology, more specific in the field of “Microbiome metabolomics and the impact on host pathogen interactions”
Vacancy
§ A full-time tenured a professor (combination of a full appointment at GUGC with 10% professorship at Ghent University)
§ Discipline: Microbiome metabolomics and the impact on host pathogen interactions
§ Affiliation: at GUGC: Centre for Biomedical Research (Dept. KR01), at UGent: Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, WE10)
Last application date
March 31, 2024
Anticipated starting date
August 1, 2024
Contract
Full-time tenured position for a starting period of 2 years, with possibility of extension (professorial rank to be decided based on the resume of the selected candidate)
Degree
PhD degree in the domain of Biomedical Biotechnology, Biomedical Science and Engineering or equivalent
Occupancy rate
100%
Vacancy Type
Teaching and research staff (Autonomous Academic Staff), Professorial Staff (ZAP)
About Ghent University and Ghent University Global Campus
Ghent University is one of the most important education and research institutions in the Low
Countries. On a daily basis, over 9,000 staff members and 49,000 students implement its motto "Dare to Think". Ghent University's mission statement is characterized by qualitative education, internationally renowned research, and a pluralistic social responsibility.
GUGC is an extended campus of Ghent University in South Korea, and the first European university to be part of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC). Since 2014, GUGC offers Bachelor of Science programs in Molecular Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, and Food Technology. Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the world (ARWU
84, 2023), and in the life sciences subjects taught at GUGC, Ghent University ranks even higher.
Please visit the homepage of Ghent University (Global Campus) to learn more about our organization:
http://www.ugent.be/
http://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en
Assignment
The assignment concerns academic education (in English), academic research and carrying out academic services in the discipline of Biomedical Biotechnology, with special focus on microbiome research.
Progression of pathology during the course of infectious diseases has long been seen as the consequence of an imbalanced interaction between the host and the infecting pathogen. In order to understand this problem, both the host immunology as well as the pathogen biology are usually addressed at various levels. It is only more recently that a third player in this interaction has started to receive major attention: the microbiome of the host or even the microbiome of the pathogen itself.
In the GUGC Biomedical Center (Radwanska lab), various model systems for Asian and African trypanosomosis have been studied over the years, mainly focusing on trying to unravel the fundamental problems that govern the immunopathology of disease. In recent years, this research has focused more and more on single-cell level analysis by combining phenotypic (flow cytometer), transcriptomic (scRNAseq), and proteomic (cytokine profiles) aspects of the changes that take place in the hosts during infection. Combined results have now shown that while strict immunopathological problems are at the core of a parasite-driven degradation of various immune organs and functions, the actual ‘disease’ outcome of the infection, being a chronic wasting syndrome, is to be considered the result of profound deregulation of the core metabolic pathways of the host. This results from the lack of absorption of food nutrients as well as systemic acidosis as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to muscles. These metabolic deficiencies culminate in muscle degradation and the induction of a catabolic wasting disease that ultimately leads to the death of the host. Interestingly, in rural areas where trypanosome infections cause havoc, it is known that there are livestock species that can be considered tolerant to the disease, while others are highly susceptible. So far, the reason for this has never been pinpointed at the level of host genetics. Moreover, with disease profiles being different in various animals that are infected with the same pathogen, the genetics of the latter cannot be a key determinant in the outcome of infection. Therefore, a new area of host-pathogen interaction studies has now been started by integration of microbiome studies that address the interface of the host with the outside world, being it the gut or skin in particular. Recent studies have indeed shown that the composition of the host microbiome will greatly affect inflammatory as well as metabolic responses of a host, when challenged with pathogens. Hence, in the context of the ongoing work at the Ghent University Global Campus, we are looking for a research profile with an interest in disease-related microbiome analysis preferentially linked to infectious disease immunology. Linking up with research at the Faculty of Sciences at the UGent home campus in Ghent, this profile should ideally make connections to metabolomics and proteomics research, while an interest in transcriptomic research would be key to full integration into the GUGC Biomedical Center.
You work in the GUGC Biomedical Centre (KR01) and in collaboration with the home campus (i) Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (WE10) and (ii) Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (WE14). The Centre for Biomedical Research is one of the five existing research centers of the Ghent University Global Campus, Korea (https://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en/research/biomedical).
The Center was established in 2015 with the aim of delivering top-level education in molecular biomedical biotechnology and scientific outcomes in the domain of host-pathogen interactions. The mission is to integrate research into an approach that will yield new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches as well as vaccine strategies against infectious diseases. The Center’s activity is guided by the following principles: independence, autonomy, and objectivity of the scientific research in relation to political, economic, and other social powers, and responsibility of the researchers regarding their work methods and the consequences of their research. The Centre prepares students (both undergraduate and graduate) and postdoc/visiting researchers for their careers in the field of molecular biomedical biotechnology. Together with the colleagues affiliated with the research center and colleagues at the home campus of Ghent University, you develop the GUGC Center Biomedical Research so that it becomes a center of expertise recognized in South Korea and beyond. Therefore, experience with accessing (inter)national research funding for research in Asia and South Korea is a surplus.
Academic education
You (co-)lecture various course units in the discipline of Molecular Biotechnology sciences, including “Biochemistry,” “Microbiology,” and “Molecular Biology,” together with other Faculty member(s) in the Centre. You guide students in their Bachelor’ Projects; supported by Teaching Assistants.
Academic research
You engage in research at an internationally competitive level within the field of “Microbiome metabolomics and the impact on host pathogen interactions” You seek additional funding to realize projects and to hire PhD students, and you act as their supervisor.
Academic service
You take part in the internal and external service provision of GUGC: - Undertake internal roles of responsibility, e.g., contribute to committees and working groups and act as a mentor. - Participate in internal initiatives/events to the benefit of the University, e.g., open days, outreach activities, and student placements.
Profile
Experience
- You have already conducted eminent academic research in the given discipline, which is clearly reflected in high-quality publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
- You are capable of initiating, supervising, and acquiring the necessary funding for academic research. In this respect, you have a demonstrable record in obtaining research funding; attracting Korean research funds will be considered an advantage for obtaining the position;
- You are didactically skilled in teaching university students to develop academic competencies;
- International mobility, among other things, thanks to research stays at institutions external to the one where you acquired your highest academic degree;
- Positively evaluated experience in provided academic lecturing;
Skills / Attitude
- You are quality-oriented;
- You take initiative;
- You are a team player and collaborate with colleagues, students; and
- You like an international operational environment.
Admission requirements
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate, or a diploma or degree certificate that is recognized as equivalent (article V.20 Codex Higher Education).
- You have at least two years of postdoctoral experience by the start date of your appointment at Ghent University (Global Campus). This term of two years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma.
Language requirements
The Flemish statutory language requirements for teaching and academic staff are laid down in Art. II.270 of the Codex of the Higher Education states the following:
Each member of the teaching staff or of the academic staff charged with a teaching assignment must master the language in which you teach a course unit at CEFR level C1. This is also called the teaching language requirement.
Gender and diversity
Ghent University conducts an equal opportunities policy and encourages everyone to apply. Ghent University also strives for a gender balance.
Selection procedure
After the final application date, all received applications will be sent to the assessment committee assembled for this vacancy. This committee will first evaluate the application files. Therefore, it will match all elements of the file against the required expertise for the position in terms of education, research and scientific service. Based on this deliberation, relevant candidates will be shortlisted to be invited for further selection (interview, possible presentation or test lecture ...).
Afterwards, the committee will rank the suitable candidates and present this ranking to the GUGC and Faculty Boards. This advice will then be presented to the University Board for approval.
Candidates are asked to submit a list of all publications, highlighting the five most important publications or other academic achievements with the highest impact. Next to academic publications, the candidate can thus demonstrate merit of knowledge transfer by academic dissemination (including experience in teaching university students), social valorization, public awareness, seminars or conference presentations. These competences are also taken into account when evaluating the candidates.
The evaluation of the required international mobility is broad and partly takes the gender perspective into account, thus not only considering longer stays abroad by also other forms of internationalization. Pregnancy leave, prolonged sick leave, parental leave, filial leave or other forms of absence are taken into account when evaluating the available time for the realization of academic output.
Appointment information
We offer you a contract as an assistant or associated professor, depending on your previous career and scientific output. According to the Korean law, the contract will initially be for a two years period, after which an infinite period contract is given on condition of a positive evaluation of the performance.
We offer you an appointment with renewable duration for a maximum of 5 years. This is a tenure track position. With respect to the career path, we follow the same rules and evaluation periods as for a professorship at Ghent University home campus (see https://www.ugent.be/en/work/mobility-career/career-aspects/professorial-staff).
Although fully employed on the pay-role of GUGC, the appointment consists of a 90 % appointment at GUGC and a 10 % appointment at Ghent university home campus. This makes that the selected candidate has access to all possibilities offered to professors of Ghent University with respect to internal funding calls and access to services offered by the home campus. The selected candidate will be integrated in a department of the Faculty of Sciences.
Compensation and benefits or Salary will be determined in accordance with the Ghent University salary standards.
Compensation and benefits
ü Salary will be determined in accordance to the Ghent University salary standards
ü Bonus: a bonus in June (92% of monthly salary) and a bonus in December (100% monthly salary)
ü Transportation and housing
ü Severance
ü Private health insurance
ü Leaves and holidays
ü For international applicants: visa support and relocation
How to apply
Application procedure
* All required documents must be submitted in English. The documents MUST BE MERGED INTO A SINGLE PDF file and sent to gugcacademichr@UGent.be (subject line: RC5_ZAP_last name.firstname)
More information
For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Prof. dr. Magdalena Radwanska (magdalena.radwanska@ghent.ac.kr).
Vacancy
§ A full-time tenured a professor (combination of a full appointment at GUGC with 10% professorship at Ghent University)
§ Discipline: Microbiome metabolomics and the impact on host pathogen interactions
§ Affiliation: at GUGC: Centre for Biomedical Research (Dept. KR01), at UGent: Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, WE10)
Last application date
March 31, 2024
Anticipated starting date
August 1, 2024
Contract
Full-time tenured position for a starting period of 2 years, with possibility of extension (professorial rank to be decided based on the resume of the selected candidate)
Degree
PhD degree in the domain of Biomedical Biotechnology, Biomedical Science and Engineering or equivalent
Occupancy rate
100%
Vacancy Type
Teaching and research staff (Autonomous Academic Staff), Professorial Staff (ZAP)
About Ghent University and Ghent University Global Campus
Ghent University is one of the most important education and research institutions in the Low
Countries. On a daily basis, over 9,000 staff members and 49,000 students implement its motto "Dare to Think". Ghent University's mission statement is characterized by qualitative education, internationally renowned research, and a pluralistic social responsibility.
GUGC is an extended campus of Ghent University in South Korea, and the first European university to be part of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC). Since 2014, GUGC offers Bachelor of Science programs in Molecular Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, and Food Technology. Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the world (ARWU
84, 2023), and in the life sciences subjects taught at GUGC, Ghent University ranks even higher.
Please visit the homepage of Ghent University (Global Campus) to learn more about our organization:
http://www.ugent.be/
http://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en
Assignment
The assignment concerns academic education (in English), academic research and carrying out academic services in the discipline of Biomedical Biotechnology, with special focus on microbiome research.
Progression of pathology during the course of infectious diseases has long been seen as the consequence of an imbalanced interaction between the host and the infecting pathogen. In order to understand this problem, both the host immunology as well as the pathogen biology are usually addressed at various levels. It is only more recently that a third player in this interaction has started to receive major attention: the microbiome of the host or even the microbiome of the pathogen itself.
In the GUGC Biomedical Center (Radwanska lab), various model systems for Asian and African trypanosomosis have been studied over the years, mainly focusing on trying to unravel the fundamental problems that govern the immunopathology of disease. In recent years, this research has focused more and more on single-cell level analysis by combining phenotypic (flow cytometer), transcriptomic (scRNAseq), and proteomic (cytokine profiles) aspects of the changes that take place in the hosts during infection. Combined results have now shown that while strict immunopathological problems are at the core of a parasite-driven degradation of various immune organs and functions, the actual ‘disease’ outcome of the infection, being a chronic wasting syndrome, is to be considered the result of profound deregulation of the core metabolic pathways of the host. This results from the lack of absorption of food nutrients as well as systemic acidosis as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to muscles. These metabolic deficiencies culminate in muscle degradation and the induction of a catabolic wasting disease that ultimately leads to the death of the host. Interestingly, in rural areas where trypanosome infections cause havoc, it is known that there are livestock species that can be considered tolerant to the disease, while others are highly susceptible. So far, the reason for this has never been pinpointed at the level of host genetics. Moreover, with disease profiles being different in various animals that are infected with the same pathogen, the genetics of the latter cannot be a key determinant in the outcome of infection. Therefore, a new area of host-pathogen interaction studies has now been started by integration of microbiome studies that address the interface of the host with the outside world, being it the gut or skin in particular. Recent studies have indeed shown that the composition of the host microbiome will greatly affect inflammatory as well as metabolic responses of a host, when challenged with pathogens. Hence, in the context of the ongoing work at the Ghent University Global Campus, we are looking for a research profile with an interest in disease-related microbiome analysis preferentially linked to infectious disease immunology. Linking up with research at the Faculty of Sciences at the UGent home campus in Ghent, this profile should ideally make connections to metabolomics and proteomics research, while an interest in transcriptomic research would be key to full integration into the GUGC Biomedical Center.
You work in the GUGC Biomedical Centre (KR01) and in collaboration with the home campus (i) Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (WE10) and (ii) Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (WE14). The Centre for Biomedical Research is one of the five existing research centers of the Ghent University Global Campus, Korea (https://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en/research/biomedical).
The Center was established in 2015 with the aim of delivering top-level education in molecular biomedical biotechnology and scientific outcomes in the domain of host-pathogen interactions. The mission is to integrate research into an approach that will yield new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches as well as vaccine strategies against infectious diseases. The Center’s activity is guided by the following principles: independence, autonomy, and objectivity of the scientific research in relation to political, economic, and other social powers, and responsibility of the researchers regarding their work methods and the consequences of their research. The Centre prepares students (both undergraduate and graduate) and postdoc/visiting researchers for their careers in the field of molecular biomedical biotechnology. Together with the colleagues affiliated with the research center and colleagues at the home campus of Ghent University, you develop the GUGC Center Biomedical Research so that it becomes a center of expertise recognized in South Korea and beyond. Therefore, experience with accessing (inter)national research funding for research in Asia and South Korea is a surplus.
Academic education
You (co-)lecture various course units in the discipline of Molecular Biotechnology sciences, including “Biochemistry,” “Microbiology,” and “Molecular Biology,” together with other Faculty member(s) in the Centre. You guide students in their Bachelor’ Projects; supported by Teaching Assistants.
Academic research
You engage in research at an internationally competitive level within the field of “Microbiome metabolomics and the impact on host pathogen interactions” You seek additional funding to realize projects and to hire PhD students, and you act as their supervisor.
Academic service
You take part in the internal and external service provision of GUGC: - Undertake internal roles of responsibility, e.g., contribute to committees and working groups and act as a mentor. - Participate in internal initiatives/events to the benefit of the University, e.g., open days, outreach activities, and student placements.
Profile
Experience
- You have already conducted eminent academic research in the given discipline, which is clearly reflected in high-quality publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
- You are capable of initiating, supervising, and acquiring the necessary funding for academic research. In this respect, you have a demonstrable record in obtaining research funding; attracting Korean research funds will be considered an advantage for obtaining the position;
- You are didactically skilled in teaching university students to develop academic competencies;
- International mobility, among other things, thanks to research stays at institutions external to the one where you acquired your highest academic degree;
- Positively evaluated experience in provided academic lecturing;
Skills / Attitude
- You are quality-oriented;
- You take initiative;
- You are a team player and collaborate with colleagues, students; and
- You like an international operational environment.
Admission requirements
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate, or a diploma or degree certificate that is recognized as equivalent (article V.20 Codex Higher Education).
- You have at least two years of postdoctoral experience by the start date of your appointment at Ghent University (Global Campus). This term of two years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma.
Language requirements
The Flemish statutory language requirements for teaching and academic staff are laid down in Art. II.270 of the Codex of the Higher Education states the following:
Each member of the teaching staff or of the academic staff charged with a teaching assignment must master the language in which you teach a course unit at CEFR level C1. This is also called the teaching language requirement.
Gender and diversity
Ghent University conducts an equal opportunities policy and encourages everyone to apply. Ghent University also strives for a gender balance.
Selection procedure
After the final application date, all received applications will be sent to the assessment committee assembled for this vacancy. This committee will first evaluate the application files. Therefore, it will match all elements of the file against the required expertise for the position in terms of education, research and scientific service. Based on this deliberation, relevant candidates will be shortlisted to be invited for further selection (interview, possible presentation or test lecture ...).
Afterwards, the committee will rank the suitable candidates and present this ranking to the GUGC and Faculty Boards. This advice will then be presented to the University Board for approval.
Candidates are asked to submit a list of all publications, highlighting the five most important publications or other academic achievements with the highest impact. Next to academic publications, the candidate can thus demonstrate merit of knowledge transfer by academic dissemination (including experience in teaching university students), social valorization, public awareness, seminars or conference presentations. These competences are also taken into account when evaluating the candidates.
The evaluation of the required international mobility is broad and partly takes the gender perspective into account, thus not only considering longer stays abroad by also other forms of internationalization. Pregnancy leave, prolonged sick leave, parental leave, filial leave or other forms of absence are taken into account when evaluating the available time for the realization of academic output.
Appointment information
We offer you a contract as an assistant or associated professor, depending on your previous career and scientific output. According to the Korean law, the contract will initially be for a two years period, after which an infinite period contract is given on condition of a positive evaluation of the performance.
We offer you an appointment with renewable duration for a maximum of 5 years. This is a tenure track position. With respect to the career path, we follow the same rules and evaluation periods as for a professorship at Ghent University home campus (see https://www.ugent.be/en/work/mobility-career/career-aspects/professorial-staff).
Although fully employed on the pay-role of GUGC, the appointment consists of a 90 % appointment at GUGC and a 10 % appointment at Ghent university home campus. This makes that the selected candidate has access to all possibilities offered to professors of Ghent University with respect to internal funding calls and access to services offered by the home campus. The selected candidate will be integrated in a department of the Faculty of Sciences.
Compensation and benefits or Salary will be determined in accordance with the Ghent University salary standards.
Compensation and benefits
ü Salary will be determined in accordance to the Ghent University salary standards
ü Bonus: a bonus in June (92% of monthly salary) and a bonus in December (100% monthly salary)
ü Transportation and housing
ü Severance
ü Private health insurance
ü Leaves and holidays
ü For international applicants: visa support and relocation
How to apply
Application procedure
- Professorial staff application form
- Motivation letter ·
- Full resume (CV), including at least 2 references
- Portfolio including below items:
- Your research plan, including a description of the integration of your research in the Plant Biotechnology Research Center
- Your vision on research, education, and service including the strategy of applying and obtaining research funds from outside
- A list of all publications (with IFs, journal quartiles, hi-indices), highlighting the five most important publications with the copy of recent publications or papers.
- A copy of the PhD and Master degree certificates (if you have a degree certificate in a language other than Dutch, French, German, or English, please add a legalized translation in English)
- Copy of proof of at least two years' experience as a postdoctoral researcher
- Copy of proof of teaching experience at universities
- Copy of proof of receipt of (national) research funding
- Transcripts (overview of study results)
* All required documents must be submitted in English. The documents MUST BE MERGED INTO A SINGLE PDF file and sent to gugcacademichr@UGent.be (subject line: RC5_ZAP_last name.firstname)
More information
For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Prof. dr. Magdalena Radwanska (magdalena.radwanska@ghent.ac.kr).
