Doctoral scholarship airway epithelium biology in chronic lung disease

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 20000 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 6000 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 Lung research Antwerp group (prof. T. Lapperre, Prof. J. Hendriks, Prof. S. Verleden) within the Department of Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of airway epithelium biology in chronic lung disease.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of airway epithelial biology in chronic lung disease funded by FWO. Using a unique collection of human lung explants and matched primary epithelium cells, the aim of this PhD is to uncover the role of the airway epithelium in the early development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The candidate is expected to harvest, grow and perform stimulation and inhibition experiments using an innovative air-liquid interface cell culture model. Read-outs of this model include protein and RNA measurements using ELISA and PCR, but also RNA and single cell sequencing. Validation experiments will be performed on well-characterized human lung samples.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, biology, biochemistry, bio-engineering or a similar field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Candidate must be a team player, relevant experience with primary cell culture is of added value. The candidate must also have an interest in analysing sequencing datasets.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• 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.
• 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 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 the 27th of May 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
• 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 still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• 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 professor Stijn Verleden by e-mail (Stijn.verleden@uantwerpen.be)