Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of neuroscience

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The Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of neuroscience. The PhD will be integrated in the Peripheral Neuropathy research group of Prof. Vincent Timmerman.

About the project

Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy can be caused by mutations in different genes. Clinical studies have demonstrated that hereditary neuropathies can also involve muscle pathologies, complicate diagnosis and hamper therapy development. We have developed advanced in vitro cell models, such as co-cultures, microfluidics, and neuromuscular organoids that incorporate motor neurons, skeletal muscle, and supporting cells (Schwann cells and macrophages) generated from patient induced pluripotent stem cells to elucidate the pathogenicity of peripheral neuropathies. Your role will be to investigate the impact of novel therapeutics in the cell models. For this you will apply stem cell and neuronal culturing techniques, immunohistochemistry, confocal and electron microscopy, transcriptomics and electrophysiology on monolayer micro-fluidic devices and neuromuscular organoids to determine the effect of therapeutic molecules.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of stem cell modelling in hereditary neuropathies.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You must hold an academic master’s degree recognized by the EU in one of the following disciplines: biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences, or will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• Outstanding academic study performances according to ECST grading scale.
• FELASA C degree (or EU equivalent) for possible handling of small model organisms (in case we need to validate experiments in a mouse model).
• Strong interest in basic and applied research, stem cell culturing, microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular mechanisms of disease and neuroscience.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, allowing the applicant to apply for a personal fellowship (e.g. FWO mandate, Baekeland mandate with industrial partner). The planned start date is 1 November 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• The research will be performed at the molecular and cellular level.
• We make use of rapidly advancing technologies, induced pluripotent stem cell biology including organoid development, biochemistry and pharmacology.
• We offer training, participation to congresses and international collaboration.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities in a vibrant, excellent research environment operating at an interuniversity level, with possibilities to connect with an industrial partner.
• Dedicated training programs to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive Eco-cheques, internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will work at UAntwerp (Campus Drie Eiken) in a dynamic and stimulating environment for high-level neuroscience research (Research Excellence Center μNEURO).
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here. Comprehensive support from the international office of the UAntwerp is available.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 31 July 2025 (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 full CV
  • a name (work address and e-mail) of a reference person (preferentially from former supervisor during your master studies).
• The selection committee will review all applications after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure, including a presentation of your lab expertise and subsequent interviews.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Vincent Timmerman ([email protected]).

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.