2026-2027 International PhD Call VIB CNL

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is recruiting enthusiastic, creative, ambitious, and highly motivated PhD candidates to join us starting between May (at the earliest) and September 2027!

Our different research groups explore how the brain and nervous system develops, ages and functions in health and disease, in particular neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions, by bridging disciplines, from artificial intelligence, microelectronics, neuroengineering and nanoscience, to single-cell, imaging and molecular analysis, functional genomics and cell biology in human and animal models.

Doing a PhD at our Center

Embedded within both VIB and KU Leuven, we offer a unique PhD experience with access to state-of-the-art facilities, expertise, and training. PhD students will have the opportunity to work together with internationally recognized scientists and develop their research projects in an innovative research environment. We also have a PhD Association, which organizes social activities, networking and upskilling events, and an annual PhD Symposium.

Curious to know more? Learn all about what it means to start a PhD at VIB in our PhD Guidebook, written for aspiring and starting researchers.

Requirements

To be considered for a PhD position, you must meet the following requirements:

Appropriate master’s or equivalent higher education degree
Distinction (=cum laude) based on your study results or professional realizations;
Proficiency in oral and written English in accordance with the criteria of KU Leuven (more information available here).
A recently obtained Master's degree is considered an asset. Candidates who are still completing their Master's degree are also welcome to apply, provided they obtain the degree before the start of the position, as this may facilitate eligibility for certain competitive funding opportunities.

Relevant experience (e.g., molecular biology, cellular physiology, neuroscience, animal behavior, computational methods, etc.) is a plus. Candidates from non-neuroscience fields but with a keen interest in understanding the brain (e.g., physics, artificial intelligence, engineering, humanities, and medical training) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that this is an international call. Local candidates should contact PIs directly, independent of the program.

How to apply

To ensure your application is considered, please follow the instructions below carefully. Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be reviewed.

Step 1: Motivation Field

In the motivation section of the application form, please enter only the name of the PhD project and the supervisor you wish to apply for.

You can find the list of available projects here PhD Call webpage.

Applications without a specified project and supervisor will not be taken into account.

If you would like to apply for more than one project, please list all projects you wish to be considered for in this field.

Step 2: Complete All Required Fields

Fill out the remaining fields in the online application form (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/137653) according to the provided instructions.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Resume: Upload your CV in the designated field.
In the "Other Attachments" field, please upload the following documents as separate attachments:
1. Cover Letter (to be uploaded as a separate attachment). If you are applying for multiple projects, please submit a separate cover letter for each project. Your letter should include:
  - A clear reference to the PhD project you're applying for (see available projects here).
  - Answers to the following questions:
    - What are your research experiences? Please specify:
      - Duration (in months)
      - Technical knowledge gained
    - What are your scientific interests? Please include:
      - 1–2 favorite publications
      - A brief explanation of why you chose them

We value authenticity in the application process. Please use your motivation letter to explain, in your own words, why you wish to pursue a PhD and what motivates you to embark on a research career. While AI tools may assist with language support or proofreading, we are interested in hearing your own reflections, motivations and aspirations. Letters that appear to be substantially written by AI will be treated as not meeting this requirement.

Academic Transcripts
Upload digital copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and transcripts, if available.
References
Upload the contact details of 2–3 references.

Timeline

Application deadline: 30th October 2026.

Interviews: We will be in touch with applicants within one to two months after the call closes. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project for which they applied.

On-site visit: Selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site visit to our Center in March 2027.

Offers: Final offers will be made to selected candidates from the end of April at the earliest. A later timeline may apply depending on the completion of the evaluation and selection process by the Principal Investigator (PI).

For application inquiries, please contact hr.cnl@kuleuven.be or visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information.

VIB values diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. The institute needs people from all backgrounds and ways of life to help build a thriving scientific environment. VIB is therefore looking for candidates who are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. VIB's collaborators are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for science that generates impact in science and in society. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also nationality, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of VIB’s employees’ points of view are key to its success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

2026-2027 International PhD Call VIB CNL