Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking 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 Center of Medical Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Functional investigation of genetic neurovascular disorders”.
The Antwerp Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) is a large clinical, diagnostic and research department that is embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital. The CMG has built up substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of clinical, molecular and pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases, including heart and large vessel diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and intellectual disability. Within this setting, the neurogenetics research team of Prof. Meuwissen aims to further elucidate and therapeutically target the disease mechanisms underlying disorders of the cerebral vasculature.
“In collaboration with the Neurovascular Center Antwerp (NVCA) and the Cerebral Palsy Reference Center Antwerp (CePRA), we study the genetics of neurovascular disorders at both pediatric and adult age. In this project, transcriptomics approaches in patient samples and an already established zebrafish model for a genetic neurovascular disorder will be used to further unravel the disease processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets”.
Position
- You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of functional genomics of neurovascular diseases.
- You will publish high-quality scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry or Biotechnology, or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You are ambitious, quality-oriented, honest and creative.
- You are fluent in written and spoken English.
- You are a strong team player with good communication skills.
Additional required skills
- You successfully acquired a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate.
- You have expertise in zebrafish work.
Additional desirable skills
- You know how to work in R.
- Experience in the field of neurovascular diseases is considered a plus.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal after positive evaluation.
- The planned start date is September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible after that date.
- 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 the Center of Medical Genetics (Edegem, Antwerp) and at Campus Drie Eiken, in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 5, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a strong motivation letter
- your academic CV (including honors, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications,…)
- 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 [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Marije Meuwissen ([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.
