VIB–UAntwerp PhD in Neuroimmunology (Pasciuto & Weckhuysen Labs) – Antwerp, Belgium

VIB–UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology in Antwerp, Belgium, is hiring a full-time doctoral scholarship holder (PhD) in Neuroimmunology in the labs of Prof. Emanuela Pasciuto and Prof. Sarah Weckhuysen. Application deadline: 26 November 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

Job Details

Organization: VIB–UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology (Belgium)

Position: Doctoral scholarship holder (PhD) in Neuroimmunology

Labs: Prof. Emanuela Pasciuto and Prof. Sarah Weckhuysen

Faculty: Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences

Employment Type: Full-time (100%)

Location: Campus Drie Eiken / Antwerp, Belgium

Posted: 29 October 2026

Application Deadline: 26 November 2026 (midnight Brussels time)

Expected Start: February 2027

Job Reference: 138253

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 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.
  • This is an entry-level doctoral scholarship (PhD) for recent master’s graduates. 0 years of post-master’s work experience required as a minimum. Freshers eligible.

Required Skills

  • 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.

Salary

Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.

Additional Information

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • For questions about the role, contact [email protected] and [email protected].
  • For more information about the research center, visit https://cmn.sites.vib.be/en.

Documents Required

  • Motivation letter
  • Academic CV
  • Contact details of at least two references

How to Apply

  1. Apply through the VIB online job application platform (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/138253) for vacancy 138253.
  2. Include the required attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV, and contact details of at least two references.
  3. Submit your application up to and including 26 November 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, candidates will be notified. 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 brief introduction of yourself, and a literature review of a given topic (related to the PhD project).

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Apply through the VIB online job application platform by 26 November 2026 (midnight Brussels time).