Doctoral scholarship holder in vivo neuroimaging with a focus on safety imaging biomarkers in animal models relevant for non-allele selective treatments of Huntington’s disease

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The Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of in vivo neuroimaging with a focus on safety imaging biomarkers in animal models relevant for non-allele selective treatments of Huntington’s disease.

The selected candidate will work on mapping the impact of huntingtin (HTT) modulation across multiple spatial and temporal scales using a dedicated mouse model of controlled HTT reduction. The doctoral fellow will first generate and validate a model for moderate or extensive HTT lowering in mice and then assess in vivo alterations upon moderate or extensive HTT reduction using non‑invasive MRI and PET imaging in combination with behavioural testing, fluid markers, and omics analysis. The goal of this project is to identify safety thresholds associated with sustained wild-type HTT lowering as measured using translational imaging-based biomarkers, which could potentially serve as in vivo safety readouts.

Relevant publications:
Dragatsis et al., 2000, Nat Genetics (PMID: 11062468)
Dietrich et al., 2017, Plos Genetics (PMID: 28715425)
Bertoglio et al., 2022, Sci Transl Med (PMID: 35108063)
Vidas-Guscic et al., 2024, Neurobiol Dis (PMID: 38365045)
Marchionini et al., 2025, Neurobiol Dis (PMID: 40204170)

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in the field of biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and imaging.
• 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, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
• You will publish several high-quality scientific articles related to the research project and present your work through posters and presentations at (inter)national conferences.
• You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within and beyond your own doctoral research.
• You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding by submitting an application for an FWO fellowship in 2027.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bio(medical) Engineering, Pharmacology, (Medical) Physics, or related disciplines or you will have obtained it by the time you start the position. Last-year master’s students (graduating in summer 2026) are particularly encouraged to apply.
• You have a keen interest in medical imaging of the brain and biomedical research in general.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You work independently, creatively, and efficiently with attention to quality and integrity.
• You are a strong team player with the ability to cooperate and succeed in a dynamic international environment.
• You enjoy a balance of bench work and data analysis.
• You are flexible with working hours as per the needs of certain phases of the experiments.
• You have a FELASA B/C attest for animal research or are willing to obtain one.
• You are willing to apply for an external PhD fellowship (e.g. FWO).
• Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Hands-on training/experience with mouse breeding and genotyping will be highly valued.
• Hands-on training/experience with in vivo experimental neuroscience, neuroimaging, and/or familiarity with science-related coding platforms will be highly valued.
• Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.
• You are fluent in English, with excellent communicative skills, considered a plus.
• Excellent study results are a plus.

What we offer

• We offer a four-year doctoral scholarship starting with a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed yearly for up to 4 years.
• The planned start date is September-October 2026.
• A dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international work environment with state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
• The four-year scholarship aims to provide students with multi-disciplinary training in conducting research at the interface of biomedical imaging, genetics, computational and experimental neuroscience, including the use of rodents to advance our understanding of HTT protein in the brain and its implications on Huntington’s disease pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• 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 June 18th, 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
+ Names and contact information of two referees who would write letters of reference.

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 and the project itself, please contact Daniele Bertoglio, PI at the Bio-Imaging Lab, daniele.bertoglio@uantwerpen.be or Dr. Elisabeth Jonckers, core facility manager MICA-Bio-Imaging Lab, elisabeth.jonckers@uantwerpen.be.