PhD position in food allergy and the Gut-Brain Immune Axis

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD with a project focused on gut–brain immune interactions in food allergy.

Position

The Computational Neurobiology group (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva), Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Dr. Seppe De Schepper) at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, and the incoming lab of Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga at the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (IN, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Spain), are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary project. The project investigates how food allergy affects gut-brain communication and function.

Project description

Growing evidence suggests that allergic immune responses in the gut can influence the brain, but how these signals are transmitted and whether they contribute to brain disorders remains unclear. This project will explore how food allergy during early life alters the gut microbiota, reprograms immune cells, and promotes their trafficking to the brain, ultimately triggering neuroinflammation.

The PhD student will focus on characterizing immune cell responses in food allergy models and their impact on brain immunity. In close collaboration with experts in food allergy, neuroimmunology, and computational biology, the student will also contribute to the integration of experimental findings with spatial and systems-level analyses of inflammation along the gut–brain axis.

Profile

We are looking for a talented and curious individual with:

• A Master’s degree in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related disciplines
• FELASA certification
• Experience with or highly interested in experimental immunology (e.g. in vivo models, flow cytometry, imaging)
• Motivation to learn and apply computational biology/bioinformatics approaches (training will be provided). Some background in programming is therefore highly desired
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English

What we offer

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic etiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientist from across the world.

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two-year period.
• The applicant is expected to apply for their own fellowship, and will be fully supported during the process
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level, both in Belgium and Spain
• Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
• A stimulating and international research environment
• A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators
• Primarily based at the VIB-UAntwerp with collaborative visits to Alicante
• Joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams at VIB-UAntwerp (Antwerp, BE) and the IN (Alicante, ES)
• Opportunities for advanced training, international mobility, and scientific exchange
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Starting date: November 2025

How to apply?

You can apply for this job through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Don’t forget to include the following document(s): a detailed CV incl. a list of previous experience, a letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in our work and in this PhD position in particular, highlight 2-3 most recent publications, which defined your interest in the proposed research topic, the names and contact details of 2 referees. For more information: please contact valeriya.malysheva@uantwerpen.be or Sebastiaan.DeSchepper@uantwerpen.be.