PhD Position in Health Sciences

University of Antwerp

Department: Molecular Imaging – Pathology – Radiotherapy – Oncology
Regime: Full-time

Let’s Shape the Future – University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) & University of Antwerp (UA)

The University of Antwerp (UA) is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 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 6 000 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.

Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) is a leading university hospital focused on patient-centered care, academic education, and innovative scientific research with an international outlook. Specialists combine personalized care with evidence-based treatments and continuously invest in research to improve medical care.

UA and UZA are founding partners of NETwerk, a hospital network of eight Flemish hospitals focused on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), a rare form of cancer. NETwerk aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of NENs through multidisciplinary care and translational research. It has become a European reference center for NEN care and is involved in MSCA doctoral network-funded research on innovative immunotherapeutic approaches.

A full-time PhD position is currently available for clinical and translational research in neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Position

• You will prepare a doctoral thesis in clinical and translational research on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN).
• You will coordinate ongoing clinical trials, including:
  • The international randomized phase III SAUNA trial (NCT05701241)
  • The BE-FORCE study (NCT06541080)
• You will contribute to research on:
  • Therapeutic sequencing in NEN
  • High-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms
  • Real-world treatment outcome analysis
  • Real-world quality of life studies
• You will participate in prospective translational research projects focusing on innovative immunotherapy approaches in neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas.
• You will be involved in NETwerk activities together with the coordinator and project manager.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out limited teaching and research support tasks.
• You will write grant proposals and apply for scholarships.
• You will present your work at national and international conferences and workshops.

Profile

• You hold (or will obtain by the start date) a Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, or equivalent.
• You meet the eligibility criteria for an FWO Aspirant grant.
• You have excellent academic results (at least distinction).
• You have a strong interest in oncology, translational research, and clinical trials.
• You have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• You have strong written and spoken English skills.
• You demonstrate a proactive attitude and strong scientific motivation.
• You are interested in working in an international research environment.
• Nice to have:
  • Experience in oncology
  • Experience in statistical/data analysis or research
  • Clinical experience with patients

What We Offer

• A doctoral scholarship for 1 year, renewable for an additional 3 years after positive evaluation (maximum 4 years total).
• Planned start date: 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship pay scales.
• Access to the Antwerp Doctoral School training programs.
• A joint research environment across University of Antwerp and University Hospital Antwerp.
• Work in a dynamic clinical and translational research setting involving both hospital and university environments.

Want to Apply?

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp application platform until a candidate is selected.

Required Documents

• Detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, etc.)
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 A4 page)
• A short introduction video (maximum 2 minutes)

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed bi-weekly. Selected candidates will be informed about further steps in the selection procedure.

Contact

• Prof. Dr. Timon Vandamme (promotor): timon.vandamme@uantwerpen.be
• Dr. Siddharth Chhajlani (clinical NET researcher): Siddharth.Chhajlani@uza.be
• General inquiries: jobs@uantwerpen.be