PhD Position in Neurology

University of Antwerp

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime: Full-time (100%)
Location: Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Start Date: As soon as possible

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university. We offer innovative academic education to over 20,000 students, conduct pioneering research, and provide important services to society. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

Project Overview

The Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Prof. Seppe De Schepper, VIB–UAntwerp) and the Parkinson’s Disease Research Team (Prof. David Crosiers, Translational Neurosciences Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAntwerp; Department of Neurology, UZA) are hiring a full-time PhD to map how peripheral and circulating immune cells reflect early Parkinson’s disease (PD) biology.

Project Focus:

  • Study high-risk individuals and PD patients

  • Identify circulating immune signatures that anticipate disease onset and progression

Our lab focuses on peripheral immunity and its impact on brain health and neurodegeneration, with expertise in myeloid biology, immune trafficking, and α-synuclein pathology. The clinical team brings extensive experience in movement disorders and longitudinal cohort management. This creates a highly collaborative, translational environment embedded in VIB and the University of Antwerp.

Position Responsibilities

  • Drive a clinical-translational PhD: cohort coordination (with clinical team), sample processing, immune profiling, and data interpretation

  • Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences

  • Contribute to limited teaching/service tasks and open, reproducible science practices

  • Submit and defend an innovative project at FWO (fwo.be) to obtain a personal fellowship (eligibility must be checked prior to applying)

Key Research Tasks:

  • Profile circulating immune cells in PD and prodromal cohorts and link to clinical readouts and α-synuclein reactivity

  • Use single-cell and immune-profiling approaches linked to clinical phenotyping to discover early biomarkers and patient-stratification tools

  • Collaborate with neurologists on patient inclusion and sample workflows, with access to VIB core facilities and data-science support

Candidate Profile

  • Medical degree or MSc in biomedical sciences, medicine, bioengineering, or related field with excellent study results

  • Strong interest in immunology and neurodegeneration; experience with human samples and/or immunophenotyping tools (e.g., flow cytometry) is a plus

  • Comfortable working at the clinic–lab interface; excellent English communication (Dutch is an asset for patient-facing coordination)

  • Motivated to work in an international European project, including potential travel

  • Proactive, rigorous, solution-oriented, critical thinker

  • Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation

  • Teaching competencies aligned with University of Antwerp’s educational vision/VIB

  • Research qualities aligned with faculty and university research policies/VIB

What We Offer

  • A 1-year doctoral scholarship, renewable upon positive evaluation

  • Support in applying for personal fellowships (e.g., FWO)

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and training in advanced techniques

  • Opportunities for career development, networking, and mentorship

  • Support for international conferences and peer-reviewed publications

  • Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship holder amounts

  • Benefits: ecocheques, internet allowance, and bicycle or public transport reimbursement

  • Dynamic and stimulating working environment at Campus Drie Eiken

Application Process

Apply through: University of Antwerp’s online job application platform
Application must include:

  • Cover letter detailing research interests, experience, and motivation

  • Curriculum vitae including list of publications

  • Contact information for two references

The selection committee will review applications promptly and notify candidates regarding next steps.

Contact for job inquiries: Sebastiaan.deschepper@uantwerpen.be
Contact for application form inquiries: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organization investing in employee growth. We value diversity and inclusivity and encourage applications from individuals of all genders, disabilities, races, ethnicities, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, and ages.

Apply