Postdoctoral Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences

University of Antwerp

Department of Biomedical Sciences
Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences
University of Antwerp
Regime: Full-time

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The Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%)

Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of in vivo neuroimaging with a focus on MR and PET imaging in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Selected candidate will work on a specific multidisciplinary project that aims to longitudinally study the beneficial effects of non-invasive multisensory stimulation at gamma frequency (40Hz) on brain function, brain clearance and behaviour, in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This type of stimulation has been shown to reduce AD pathology and cognitive deficits in mouse models of AD (Martorell et al., Cell, 2019; Adaikken et al., Neuron, 2019; Murdock et al., Nature, 2024). The doctoral fellow will acquire and analyze resting-state fMRI, intravoxel incoherent motion MRI, SynVesT-1-PET and Tau-PET data and link the imaging and behavioral readouts of the effect of this therapeutic strategy.

Position

  • You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in the field of biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and imaging.

  • You will publish several high-quality scientific articles related to the research project and present your work through posters and presentations at (inter)national conferences.

  • You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Profile

  • You hold a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bio(medical) Engineering, Pharmacology, (Medical) Physics, or related disciplines or you will have obtained it by the time you start the position. Last-year master’s students (graduating in summer 2026) are encouraged to apply.

  • You can demonstrate excellent study results.

  • You have a keen interest in medical imaging of the brain and biomedical research in general.

  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

  • You work independently, creatively, and efficiently with attention to quality and integrity.

  • You are a strong team player with the ability to cooperate and succeed in a dynamic international environment.

  • You enjoy a balance of bench work and data analysis.

  • You are flexible with working hours as per the needs of certain phases of the experiments.

  • You have a FELASA B/C attest for animal research or are willing to obtain one.

  • You are willing to apply for an external PhD fellowship (e.g. FWO).

  • Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

  • Hands-on training/experience with in vivo experimental neuroscience, neuroimaging, and/or familiarity with science-related coding platforms will be highly valued.

  • You are fluent in English with excellent communicative skills considered as a plus.

  • Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

  • We offer a four-year doctoral scholarship starting with a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed yearly for up to 4 years.

  • The planned start date is September 2026.

  • A dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international work environment with state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

  • The four-year scholarship aims to provide students with multi-disciplinary training in conducting research at the interface of biomedical imaging, computational and experimental neuroscience including the use of rodents to advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies.

  • 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, 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 up to and including April 6th, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the “Apply” button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:

    • A motivation letter

    • Your academic CV

    • Names and contact information of two referees who would write letters of reference.

  • The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. 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.

  • 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 and the project itself, please contact Daniele Bertoglio, PI at the Bio-Imaging Lab, daniele.bertoglio@uantwerpen.be or Dr. Mohit Adhikari, Senior researcher at the Bio-Imaging Lab, mohit.adhikari@uantwerpen.be, or Dr. Elisabeth Jonckers, core facility manager MICA-Bio-Imaging Lab, elisabeth.jonckers@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.

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