PhD Position in Biomedical Sciences

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and imaging.
• You will be embedded in two research teams (Experimental Neurobiology Unit and Bio-Imaging Lab), combining expertise in neuronal electrophysiology and preclinical neuroimaging.
• The project is jointly supervised by Prof. Tommas Ellender and Prof. Daniele Bertoglio.
• You will develop a research plan and methods in consultation with your supervisors and manage the administrative aspects of your PhD process.
• You will conduct research efficiently and to a high standard, possibly including research stays abroad, and compete for funding for project-related costs.
• You will publish high-quality scientific articles and present your work at national and international conferences.
• You will contribute to ongoing research projects beyond your own PhD work.
• You will apply for external PhD funding (e.g., FWO fellowship) in 2027.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Profile

• You hold (or will obtain by the start date) a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, Medical Physics, or a related discipline. Final-year master’s students graduating in summer 2026 are encouraged to apply.
• You can demonstrate excellent academic results.
• You have a strong interest in brain imaging and biomedical neuroscience research.
• You enjoy a combination of experimental bench work and computational/data analysis.
• You are flexible regarding working hours during experimental phases.
• You have or are willing to obtain a FELASA B/C certificate for animal research.
• Hands-on experience in in vivo neuroscience, neuroimaging, and/or coding is highly valued.
• You are willing to apply for external PhD fellowships (e.g., FWO).
• Your teaching competences align with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research profile aligns with faculty and university research policies.
• You work independently, creatively, and with attention to quality and integrity.
• You are a strong team player in an international research environment.
• You are fluent in English; strong communication skills are an asset.
• International candidates are encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• A four-year doctoral scholarship starting with a one-year period, renewable annually upon positive evaluation.
• Desired start date: between 1 October 2026 and 1 December 2026.
• A multidisciplinary and international research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure within the µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence.
• Training at the interface of biomedical imaging and electrophysiology using rodent models to study Huntington’s disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
• Monthly scholarship according to BAP (Contract Research Staff) pay scales.
• Ecocheques, Internet connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement.
• Work location: Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic research environment.
• Access to the Antwerp Doctoral School and extensive training opportunities.