PhD Position in Neurology

University of Antwerp

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime: Full-time

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We provide innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play an important service role in society. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 countries, we help build tomorrow’s world every day. Through top-level research, we push boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help shape.

Position 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 (100%) PhD.

Project Focus:

  • Map how peripheral and circulating immune cells reflect early Parkinson’s disease (PD) biology.

  • Study high-risk individuals and PD patients to identify circulating immune signatures that anticipate disease onset and progression.

The lab investigates how peripheral immunity shapes brain health and neurodegeneration, with strong expertise in myeloid biology, immune trafficking, and α-synuclein pathology. The clinical team at UZA contributes longitudinal cohort management and movement disorder expertise. The environment is highly collaborative, translational, and embedded in VIB and the University of Antwerp.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct a clinical-translational PhD: cohort coordination, sample processing, immune profiling, and data interpretation.

  • Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

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

  • Submit and defend an innovative FWO project to obtain a personal fellowship during the doctoral scholarship (eligibility criteria apply).

  • Profile circulating immune cells in PD and prodromal cohorts, linking them to clinical readouts and α-synuclein reactivity.

  • Apply single-cell and immune-profiling approaches to discover early biomarkers and patient-stratification tools.

  • Collaborate closely with neurologists for patient inclusion and sample workflows, utilizing VIB core facilities and data-science support.

Profile / Requirements

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

  • Strong interest in immunology and neurodegeneration.

  • Experience with human samples and/or immunophenotyping tools (e.g., flow cytometry) is advantageous; candidates without experience should be motivated to learn.

  • Comfortable working at the clinic–lab interface.

  • Excellent writing and communication skills in English; Dutch is an asset for patient coordination.

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

  • Proactive, rigorous, solution-oriented, and a critical thinker.

  • Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

  • Teaching and research skills in line with University of Antwerp/VIB policies.

What We Offer

  • Doctoral scholarship for 1 year initially, renewable following positive evaluation.

  • Full assistance to apply for independent fellowships, such as FWO.

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

  • Opportunities for career development, networking, mentorship, international conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

  • Start date: as soon as possible.

  • Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship scales.

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

  • Work primarily at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic, stimulating environment.

How to Apply

  • Apply via the University of Antwerp online job application platform.

  • Include:

    • Cover letter detailing research interests, experience, and motivation

    • Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications

    • Contact information for two references

The selection committee reviews applications as soon as possible. If eligible after pre-selection, candidates will be informed about the next steps.

Questions:

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation that invests in employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and prioritize an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.

We encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and characteristics.

Apply