PhD Position in Health Sciences

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European 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 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 Global Health Institute of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of omics analysis to investigate the clinical impacts of neglected tropical diseases (mainly onchocerciasis) on the central nervous system. This line of research would contribute to unravelling the pathogenesis of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy, a new type of epilepsy, and a major neglected public health problem in many remote areas in sub-Saharan Africa.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of omics analysis to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms by which the parasite Onchocerca volvulus may induce neurological disease.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results, particularly in the domain of molecular biology. Knowledge on genomics and/or proteomics analysis is a plus.
• You have good organisational skills and attention to details to work proficiently with samples and consumables.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are able and willing to work for short periods of time in Africa and to work in remote places.
• You have a thorough knowledge of English. Knowledge of French (to work in some African countries) would be a plus.
• You have basic skills in data cleaning and analysis.
• You have a strong interest in bio-informatics.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 1 or 2 years.
• The planned start date is 01^st March 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, 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 international 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, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr Joseph Siewe Fodjo, josephnelson.siewefodjo@uantwerpen.be ; or Prof Robert (Bob) Colebunders, robert.colebunders@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.