MSCA-DN PhD position in nanobody development for GPRC5B (Brussels, BE)

About your role

You will contribute to the development of GPRC5B-targeting nanobodies from initial discovery through to preclinical characterisation. Your work will include:

• Selecting GPRC5B-targeting nanobodies from immune and synthetic nanobody libraries and evaluating AI-generated candidates.
• Characterising generated nanobodies in vitro and in vivo, including their affinity, specificity, stability and modulatory effects.
• Investigating the biodistribution of nanobodies in in vivo models.
• Characterising the functional effects of generated nanobodies on GPRC5B signalling.
• Collaborating with POLARIS partner organisations during planned secondments and contributing to the development of nanobodies as research tools, diagnostic tracers and/or therapeutics.
  About you
  We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in life sciences, preferably molecular sciences. You bring:
• A background in molecular biology and experience in nanobody or similar biopharmaceutical research, such as nanobody development and characterisation, and/or G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biology and signalling.
• Practical wet-lab experience and experience with writing research reports.
• A strong interest in targeted biopharmaceuticals, nanobody development and engineering, GPCR biology and translational research.
• An accurate and reproducible approach to research, with strong analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate results and determine next steps.
• Good communication, organisational and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment. Experience with animal experiments is an advantage. You should also be willing to travel for research activities and secondments at POLARIS partner organisations.Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.Eligibility criteriaImportant, strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs apply to applicants:
• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• At the time of the application deadline, you must have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
• You will participate in the network-wide training programme of POLARIS, which includes (international) training activities and planned secondments with POLARIS partner organizations throughout the EU.
  Our offer
  
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 3 years;
• Salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host-organisation rules;
• Embedding in the international POLARIS doctoral training network;
• Access to network-wide training activities, secondments and transferable-skills development;
• A challenging and translational research project at the interface of nanobody discovery and engineering, GPCR biology and preclinical in vivo testing;
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment;
• An open and supportive team culture with opportunities for scientific and professional development.