PhD position in neuroimmunology

This project will investigate how peripheral immune signals shape brain and brain-border immunity and drive neuroinflammation in synucleinopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases. The candidate will employ advanced in vivo models and spatial technologies to dissect the roles of tissue-resident macrophages and infiltrating immune cells along the periphery–immune–brain axis.

The research team of Prof. Seppe De Schepper investigates how peripheral immune signals influence brain health and disease. We focus on tissue-resident macrophages and immune cell trafficking from periphery to brain. The research team of Prof. Kiavash Movahedi investigates brain immunology with a focus on microglia and non-parenchymal brain macrophages, and how these cells contribute to brain homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and disease.

The VIB-UAntwerp Center is part of VIB and embedded within the University of Antwerp, a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. The University of Antwerp offers an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of neuroimmunology
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project
• You will carry out a limited number of research and teaching support tasks

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in biomedical sciences or related life science discipline
• We are looking for candidates with hands-on experience or a strong interest in spectral imaging techniques, confocal microscopy, and bioinformatic analyses
• Experience in mouse work is highly desirable
• Interest in macrophage biology and neurodegenerative disorders
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation
• During the doctoral scholarship, you will be asked to submit and defend an innovative project at the FWO (www.fwo.be) to obtain a personal fellowship. Please do check eligibility criteria prior to applying for this position.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period
• The planned start date is 1 November 2025, latest
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting
• You will do most of your work at VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology (campus Drie Eiken) and the VUB Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene), within a dynamic and stimulating working environment
• As part of both VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and the Brussels Center for Immunology, the applicant will benefit from established collaborations and access to centralized facilities with expertise in functional genomics and cell biology, proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, immunology, technology development, and bioinformatics.
• VIB provides a highly interactive environment and ample training opportunities for its researchers. The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is located in the city of Antwerp, the capital of Flanders, offering a culturally and historically rich and ethnically diverse environment.

Want to apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including September 22 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: Motivation/cover letter, Curriculum vitae, University degree certificates, At least one reference letter. The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. For more information, you are welcome to contact Prof. Seppe De Schepper (sebastiaan.deschepper@uantwerpen.be) or Prof. Kiavash Movahedi (kiavash.movahedi@vub.be)