Postdoctoral scholarship holder in the field of pig gut health

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

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 Comparative Perinatal Development group in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a part-time (80%) postdoctoral scholarship holder in the field of pig gut health.

We are an international, multidisciplinary group dedicated to advancing animal-centred research. This position plays a pivotal role in our innovative research line “From Pigs to Paediatrics”, bridging critical gaps in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and intestinal barrier function studies, under the coordination of Prof. Chris Van Ginneken.

Position

• You will assist with ongoing research projects on perinatal gut development in pigs, spanning field trials to studies, with a focus on intestinal barrier function in suckling pigs.
• You will help secure research funding by contributing to new grant applications and external collaborations.
• You will mentor PhD students and master’s thesis students in their research projects.
• You will fulfil a limited number of teaching activities. The teaching activities will be situated in courses in Laboratory Animal Sciences and consist of lecturing, following up on the course’s assignments and coordinating and participating in the practical sessions.
• You will represent and collaborate, actively contributing to academic services and promoting our research internally and externally.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Life Sciences and preferably in Veterinary Medicine or Bioscience Engineering (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• Your research qualities align with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competencies align with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English and express yourself in Dutch.
• You have qualifications for working with laboratory animals (Category C, or Function A and B)
• You have a driver’s license B.

What we offer

• We offer a part-time (80%) postdoctoral scholarship for 2 years.
• The planned start date is 1^st January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• You will receive Eco cheques, an Internet connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance, or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic, stimulating environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and interdisciplinary learning.
• 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 till 15^th January 2026. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: a cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation to join the team, a curriculum vitae, a copy of your diplomas, and contact information for two references.
• 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. The job interview will be held on 26, 27 or 28/01/26.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check thefrequently asked questionsor send an email to[emailprotected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact professorChris Van Ginneken ([emailprotected]; 03 265 24 35).

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 diversityand 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.