Supervisor: Dr. Sabine Costagliola
The Costagliola lab, at IRIBHM, ULB, Brussels, (https://iribhm.org/) is seeking a creative and highly motivated PhD student. This project aims to use organoid technology for thyroid disease modeling using patient derived IPSc.
Embark on a Transformative Journey to Decode Congenital Hypothyroidism!
Are you ready to tackle one of the most intriguing puzzles in rare endocrine diseases? Congenital hypothyroidism (CH), a rare endocrine disorder (affecting 1 in 3,000 newborns), remains largely enigmatic. Despite the identification of a few genetic culprits—like PAX8, TSHR, FOXE1, and NKX2.1—the underlying molecular mechanisms of CH remain a mystery in 95% of cases.
Now is the perfect time to step into this challenging and rewarding field. With groundbreaking advances in next-generation sequencing and revolutionary breakthroughs in stem cell science, we are uniquely positioned to rewrite the story of CH. From creating functional thyroid tissue using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), these cutting-edge tools provide unparalleled opportunities to uncover the secrets of thyroid development and its disruption in CH.
Our laboratory is at the forefront of this revolution, excelling in the creation of thyroid organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. As a PhD student, you will harness this organoid technology to:
1️-Develop innovative iPSC models for CH.
2️ -Employ cutting-edge single-cell multiomics (scRNAseq, scATACseq) to map the molecular and genomic choreography of normal and pathogenic thyroid development.
Your research will not only shed light on the elusive mechanisms behind CH but also pave the way for patient-specific models, improved diagnostics, and innovative treatments for CH and other thyroid disorders.
Join us in shaping the future of thyroid research—where your discoveries will have the potential to transform lives. Take the leap and become a pioneer in this thrilling field! Your PhD journey awaits. 🚀
Benefits
As a PhD student in our dynamic team, you will have access to expert mentorship, state-of-the-art imaging and cell biology facilities, and the opportunity to collaborate closely with leading specialists in organoid technology. Immerse yourself in an exciting multidisciplinary project that integrates organoids, gene editing, advanced imaging, and cutting-edge transcriptomics. Together, we will tackle pivotal questions in thyroid research and developmental biology, driving innovation and discovery in these critical fields.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Implement new models of organoids.
Cellular and molecular characterization of those organoids
Conduct single-cell RNA sequencing, single-seq ATAC sequencing and transcriptomic and genomic analysis.
Qualifications:
Master in Biology, medical biology, Bioengineering or a related field.
This project is ideal for an ambitious and enthusiastic candidate who thrives in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in scientific English—speaking, reading, and writing—is essential.
To complete your application (see documents on our website), kindly provide a cover letter detailing your research interests and career aspirations, along with an updated CV and the contact details of two or three references.
Contact: Sabine Costagliola sabine.costagliola@ulb.be