Phd Position in Food Allergy, Gut-brain Axis

**Project summary**:
Growing evidence suggests that allergic immune responses in the gut can influence the brain, but how these signals are transmitted and whether they contribute to brain disorders remains unclear. This project explores how food allergy during early life alters the gut microbiota, reprograms immune cells, and promotes their trafficking to the brain, ultimately triggering neuroinflammation. The PhD student will help uncover the molecular and cellular pathways linking the allergic gut to the inflamed brain, and how these pathways shape disease risk later in life.

**Position**:
The Computational Neurobiology group (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva), Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Dr. Seppe De Schepper) at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, and the incoming lab of Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga at the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (IN, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Spain), are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary project investigating how food allergy affects gut-brain communication and contributes to brain inflammation.

**Profile**:

- A Master’s degree in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related disciplines
- FELASA certification
- Ideally, prior experience in bioinformatics and computational biology
- Strong interest in immune-brain interactions and food allergy-related immunology
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment

**Offer**:
The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic etiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientist from across the world.
- A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two-year period.
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level, both in Belgium and Spain
- Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
- A stimulating and international research environment
- A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators
- Primarily based at the VIB-UAntwerp with collaborative visits to the IN
- Joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams at VIB-UAntwerp (Antwerp, BE) and the IN (Alicante, ES)
- Opportunities for advanced training, international mobility, and scientific exchange
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- Starting date: September 2025

**How to apply?**:
Don’t forget to include the following document(s):

- a detailed CV incl. a list of previous experience
- a letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in our work and in this PhD position in particular
- highlight 2-3 most recent publications, which defined your interest in the proposed research topic
- the names and contact details of 2 referees