Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The lab of Prof. Emanuela Pasciuto and Prof. Sarah Weckhuysen from the VIB-UA Center For Molecular Neurology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences are looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Neuroimmunology
Position
- You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Biomedical Sciences.
- You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
- You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard.
- You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees and present your research at scientific conferences.
- You will work with both human samples and animal models of disease.
- You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
- You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within beyond your own doctoral research.
- You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, Biotechnologies, (and related discipline) or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
- The master's degree or equivalent diploma, must have been obtained not earlier than 1 February 2026
- Candidate must be eligible to apply for a FWO fellowship. Please check eligibility of your Diploma (Art. 6) before applying.
- Solid background in immunology and or genetics is an advantage
- You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
- You hold a FELASA-B certificate, and you are confident with working with rodents.
- You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years
- We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
- The planned start date is February 2027
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You will receive ecocheques, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken, VIB-CMN, in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 26th November 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV
- Contact of at least two references
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are short-listed, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. For the interview, you will be asked to prepare a PowerPoint presentation including a briefly introduction of yourself, and a literature review of a given topic (related to the PhD project).
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact emanuela.pasciuto@uantwerpen.be and sarah.weckhuysen@uantwerpen.be
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
