PhD Position in Neuroimmunology

Application deadline : 26 November, 2026 | Expected start date : February 2027

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.

About the role

- You will actively work on the preparation and defense 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.

Your 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. (https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/regulations/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/#a6fef8af4-f3e8-420a-b223-fd8a3967c2bb) 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 (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research/management/).
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

Our 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 (https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uantwerpen.be%2Fen%2Fjobs%2Fwhat-do-we-offer%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMirte.Verhaert%40uantwerpen.be%7C71d1a5ec376f4f8d661e08dca710d901%7C792e08fb2d544a8eaf72202548136ef6%7C0%7C0%7C638568938042073020%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PRjYuq%2FuxnEEnZhWdgwCBl0hbh61Q8v7IezVo2EwkBg%3D&reserved=0)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 educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/centres/antwerp-doctoral-school/doctoral-study-programme/).
- 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 (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/uantwerp-as-an-employer/hr-policy/).

Want to apply?

- You can apply for this vacancy through the VIB online job application platform (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/138253) up to and including 26th November 2026 ( by midnight Brussels time). 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 job, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and [email protected]

For more information about our research center, visit https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en