Doctoral scholarship holder bioscience engineering - applied microbiology, nutrition, and biotechnology

boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%)

doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Bioscience Engineering - Applied Microbiology, Nutrition, and Biotechnology

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Bioscience Engineering: more specifically in the fields of Applied Microbiology, Nutrition, and Biotechnology. The PhD student will join a newly funded project multi-partner consortium involving UAntwerpen, Flanders Food, UGent, KU Leuven and VUB. The project consortium investigates how probiotics, prebiotics and other biotics can support healthy ageing by improving markers of metabolic and immune resilience in adults at increased risk of metabolic syndrome. The PhD project includes mechanistic studies of the targeted biotics, development of biotic interventions in collaboration with industry partners, and the preparation, execution and follow-up of a clinical dietary intervention trial. Responsibilities also include participant monitoring and interaction, sample processing, and the analysis of metabolic and microbiome-related outcomes.
  • You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly partially abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs if necessary.
  • You play a key role in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and integrity of study data.
  • You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees and present your research at scientific conferences.
  • 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 and lines of research within and beyond your own doctoral research, as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or research management within the Lab of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
• You will contribute to funding acquisition initiatives of the host labs if needed. Funding for the 4 years PhD is covered, but the student can also be asked to help with additional funding applications if needed for the overall objectives of the project. This will always be in consultation with your supervisor(s).
• You will undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Bioscience Engineering, (Bio)medical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology or a closely related field.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results and motivation
• You have a strong interest in microbiology, microbiomes, probiotics and other biotics, nutrition, clinical trials, metabolism, molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or human health.
• You have experience with microbiology and molecular biology. Experience with immunology is recommended. Experience with patient-oriented research and/or involvement in clinical or food intervention studies is also considered an asset. Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is desirable or should be obtained at the start of the grant.
• You have excellent collaborative and communication skills and have a good knowledge of Dutch and English, both oral and written, because this project requires communication with stakeholders and clinical trial participants.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality and study integrity, including data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship will be renewed for another three years to allow for a full PhD trajectory of typically 4 years at our academic institution.
• 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 1 November 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 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 Groenenborger 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 15 October 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
  • one recommendation letter
• 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.
• 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 the shared inbox: gabi@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees' growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.