Postdoctoral Position in Neurology
University of Antwerp
Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 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 6000 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. 

The VIB Center for Molecular Neurology at The University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Neuroimmunology in the Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of the immune system and the gut-brain axis in health and neurological diseases, with a particular focus on macrophages and circulating leukocytes between the gut and brain.
The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge projects exploring immune cell trafficking, tissue-resident macrophage biology, and their roles in neuropathology, particularly Parkinson’s disease. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research that bridges insights into the nervous system of the gut and brain, uncovering mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration and immune interactions.

The Laboratory for Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Research at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology is a newly established and expanding research group led by Dr. Sebastiaan De Schepper.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of neuroimmunology, focusing on the gut-immune-brain axis and its role in health and neurological diseases.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project in peer-reviewed journals.
• You will take initiative in designing and conducting experiments, troubleshooting challenges, optimizing protocols and other research support tasks such as training of junior lab members
• You will be expected to pursue independent funding opportunities and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research within the lab’s scope, with potential projects including:Design and execute experiments using transgenic mouse models, spectral flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, and imaging.
  • Role of tissue-resident macrophages in peripheral synucleinopathy
  • Immune cell trafficking and the periphery-brain axis
• Analyse data and interpret findings
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to achieve project goals.

Profile

• Master’s degree in neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in neuroimmunology, macrophage biology, and the gut-brain axis.
• Hands-on experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, animal behaviour, computational methods, etc.) and/or animal models is preferred.
• Experience with or willingness to learn advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, -omics technologies, and transgenic mouse models is needed
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

What 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 applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and training in advanced techniques.
• Opportunities for career development, networking, and mentorship.
• Support for presenting at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• The planned start data is 1^st of March 2025 or soon after.
• 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 Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible.  As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
  • A cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation to join the team
  • A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
  • Contact information for two references.
• If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Sebastiaan.deschepper@uantwerpen.be 
  If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.