PhD Position in Neurology

University of Antwerp

Department: VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology

Employment Regime: Full-time (100%)

Institution: University of Antwerp – Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences

About the University

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university. We provide innovative education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play an important societal role. With over 6,000 employees from 100 countries, we are one of the largest, most international, and innovative employers in the region. Together, we push back boundaries and shape the future – a future you can help to create.

Position

The Computational Neurobiology group (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva) and the Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Dr. Seppe De Schepper) at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, together with the incoming lab of Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga at the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (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, with a focus on immune responses and neuroinflammation.

Project Description

Emerging evidence suggests that allergic immune responses in the gut can influence the brain. However, the mechanisms of signal transmission and their contribution to brain disorders remain poorly understood.

This PhD project will:

• Explore how early-life food allergy alters the gut microbiota, reprograms immune cells, and drives their trafficking to the brain.
• Characterize immune cell responses in food allergy models and their impact on brain immunity.
• Integrate experimental findings with systems-level and spatial analyses of inflammation along the gut–brain axis.

You will work in close collaboration with experts in food allergy, neuroimmunology, and computational biology, bridging experimental and computational approaches.

Profile

We are looking for a talented and curious individual with:

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

What We Offer

• A doctoral scholarship for two years, renewable for another two years upon positive evaluation.
• Support and mentorship to apply for your own fellowship.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities in Belgium and Spain.
• Joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams at VIB-UAntwerp (Antwerp, BE) and Instituto de Neurociencias (Alicante, ES).
• Collaborative visits between Antwerp and Alicante.
• Dedicated training programs at VIB and UAntwerp to enhance your expertise.
• Opportunities for international mobility, networking, and scientific exchange.
• A stimulating, world-class research environment with 8 PIs and internationally recognized leaders in neurogenetics and neuroinflammation.
• A scholarship calculated according to the University of Antwerp doctoral pay scale, plus:
• Ecocheques
• Internet-connectivity allowance
• Bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs
• Starting date: November 2025

Application Process

Apply online via the University of Antwerp job platform. Please include:

1. A detailed CV (including previous research experience).
2. A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and our work.
3. A short note highlighting 2–3 recent publications that inspired your interest in the topic.
4. Contact details of two referees.

Contacts for scientific questions:

• Dr. Valeriya Malysheva – valeriya.malysheva@uantwerpen.be
• Dr. Seppe De Schepper – Sebastiaan.DeSchepper@uantwerpen.be

For questions about the online application form: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Antwerp holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organization that invests in the growth of our employees. We value diversity and inclusion, and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.