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Principal Investigator

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Mohammad Jakir Hosen, PhD

Professor 
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
School of Life Sciences
Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet

Post-doctoral training (2014 - 15)
Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Belgium
 

PhD in Medical Genetics (2010 - 14)
Ghent University, Belgium
 

European Masters of Science in Nematology (2008 - 10)
Ghent University, Belgium
 

BSc in Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (1998 - 02)
Khulna University, Bangladesh

Brief Bio

Dr. Mohammad Jakir Hosen is a geneticist and biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in medical genetics from Ghent University, Belgium. He currently works as a Professor in the Dept. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.

 

At Ghent University, his work with Prof. Dr. Olivier Vanakker and Prof. Dr. Anne De Paepe led to a significant understanding of the pathomechanism of pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a genetic disease that causes ectopic mineralization of elastic fibres in some specific tissues. 

 

In Fall 2015, Dr. Hosen established his research lab at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology to study the role of genetic and environmental factors behind human diseases. Dr. Hosen and his lab collaborate with several other in-house, national, and international groups to illustrate and understand the genetic, molecular, and physiological factors responsible for rare and common genetic disorders present in Bangladesh. He also studies the public health and epidemiological backgrounds of infectious diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and COVID-19. His lab facilitates a semi-automated zebrafish facility for toxicological assessment of heavy metals during early embryonic development.

 

As of Summer 2025, Dr. Hosen has authored nearly 90 peer-reviewed research articles, many expert reviews, and a book chapter. Dr. Hosen is currently working to develop an efficient, dynamic, and affordable model for implementing genetic testing and counselling in low- and lower-middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh.

 

In Summer 2015, he completed a certificate in laboratory animal science (FELASA-C) from Ghent University, Belgium. Earlier, he pursued a European Master of Science in Nematology with great distinction and an Erasmus Mundus scholarship from Ghent University, Belgium. He did his B.Sc in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering from Khulna University, Bangladesh.

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Dr. Hosen is the recipient of the BAS-TWAS Young Scientist Award-2018. He is a member of the National Young Academy of Bangladesh, the Belgian Society of Human Genetics, the Belgian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Society of Microbiology, PXE International, and the Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates.

Philosophy

Education and scientific philosophy

The PI's responsible for helping lab members get the training and opportunities they need to advance in their chosen careers, whether in academia, industry, or other options. At the Hosen Lab, we believe that fostering education is an integral part of being a researcher. We tailor our approach to each individual. Our philosophy for research and teaching is that trainees learn best through guided trial and error. For novice undergrads, we aim to expand their knowledge base, help them recognize nuance in scientific approaches, and practice logic in project development. Most importantly, we try to give them the intellectual room to explore and grow on their own. More independent students, especially grad students, are used to having the freedom to explore scientific questions that drive their passion. We also offer them the opportunity to train undergrads, as we find that this hands-on approach to mentorship allows both mentees and mentors to grow more rationally. Lastly, we encourage a healthy work-life balance, which is key to sustaining a passion for science.

Teaching

Teaching philosophy and interests

At the University level, we deal with more mature students, and each student comes to the University as an individual. Educators are responsible for valuing and developing each student's strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge to extend their learning. It is incredibly fun and fulfilling to start with an exciting and crucial question, develop a strategy to answer it, and see the student answer it. It is essential to maintain scientific rigour (it's all in the details), while not losing sight of the big picture. I try to give students opportunities to explore, discover, create, and imagine.

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Dr. Hosen teaches in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

He currently coordinates 06 courses:

  • Principles of Genetics

  • Enzymology

  • Animal Genetics and Breeding

  • Cell Signalling

  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

  • Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

External Affiliations

Ancillary activities and professional memberships

  • Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

  • Belgian Society of Human Genetics

  • Belgium Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • ​EUMAINE, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

  • American Society of Human Genetics

  • American Society of Microbiology

  • PXE international

  • Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates

  • National Young Academy of Bangladesh

Awards & Distinctions

Accolades and recognition

  • BAS-TWAS Young Scientist Award-2018

  • Khulna University Merit Scholarship for the academic years 1999-2000

  • FWO travel grant to participate in the ASHG meeting 2014, October 18-22, San Diego, California, USA

  • Zebrafish Meeting Financial Aid Award, 10th International Zebrafish Genetics and Development meeting-2012, June 20-24, 2012- Madison, Wisconsin, USA

  • Young Investigator Award: 12th International Congress of Human Genetics-2011, Montreal, Canada

  • Sweden-Bangladesh Trust Fund travel grant for the academic session 2009-2010

  • EDIT (European Distributed Institute of Taxonomy) Summer School 2009 grant by the European Union, From field to Web- studying biodiversity with the taxonomists toolbox, Muranska Planina National Park, Slovakia

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