PhD Student - Novel inhibitors for obesity-associated liver cancer

We offer a shared full-time position at the 

Signal Transduction & Metabolism Laboratory 

Université libre de Bruxelles – 

Organic Chemistry Research Group Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Job description

The Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory (www.stmlaboratory) led by Dr Esteban Gurzov, the Redox Signaling laboratory (www.messenslab.sites.vib.be/en) led by Prof. Joris Messens, and the Organic Chemistry Research Group (https://orgc.research.vub.be/home) led by Dr Steven Ballet seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop and explore novel inhibitors for obesity-associated liver dysfunction and hepatocellular carcinoma. The successful applicant will be part of joint PhD project funded by the European Research Council Proof-of-Concept (PI Gurzov).

Project description:

The project will take advantage of in silico drug design, chemical synthesis, biochemical assays, hepatic cancer cell models, bioinformatics and human liver specimen analysis. The objective is to identify novel molecules that can prevent or reverse the mechanisms by which obesity drives the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, paving the way for innovative therapeutics to combat this disease.

Join Our Joint PhD Program!

Embark on a journey in an international, world-leading environment dedicated to creative science. We foster research excellence and drive discoveries in metabolic diseases through collaborative teams of experts.

Why Join Us?

• We are committed to scientific rigor and reproducible findings, shaping the future of metabolic research.
• Our vision is to translate fundamental science into clinical applications through collaboration between scientists, physicians, and industry leaders.

Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or Chemical Biology.
• Experience in chemical design/engineering.
• Advantageous: Experience with (in silico) drug screening.
• Advantageous: Experience with biochemistry assays.
• Advantageous: Experience with models of obesity, cancer, or liver dysfunction.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• High motivation, flexibility, and innovative, creative thinking.

Come and join us in making groundbreaking contributions to metabolic research!

Interested ?

Applications should be sent directly to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]

Esteban N. Gurzov, PhD
Director, Signal Transduction & Metabolism Laboratory
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
808 Route de Lennik
B-1070 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 555 8908

Joris Messens, PhD 
Full Professor 
Redox Signaling Lab
VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology
Pleinlaan 2, building E, 4th floor
1050 Brussels
Belgium
+32478911288

Steven Ballet, PhD
Full Professor – Bioorganic Chemistry
Research Group of Organic Chemistry
Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
https://orgc.research.vub.be
T  +32 (0)2 629 32 92

Starting date: June 2025 (earliest).

Deadline for the submission of applications: April 30th 2025