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. 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. 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 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.
• 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 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 emanuela.pasciuto@uantwerpen.be and sarah.weckhuysen@uantwerpen.be For more information about our research center, visit https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en