Doctoral scholarship holder neuroimmunology - the complex interactions between the immune and nervous systems

Updated: 4 months ago

Department: Center for Molecular Neurology
Regime Full-time

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VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology - Labs  of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Neuroimmunology.  You will be joining the lab of Dr. Emanuela Pasciuto which studies the complex interactions between the immune and nervous systems.

https://pasciutolab.sites.vib.be/en  

Position

  • You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Neuroimmunology
  • You will publish scientific articles related to the research project
  • You will carry out a substantial number of research support tasks

Project

  • Youwill study the role of brain resident immune cells in brain development. You will combine state of the art technologies (scRNAseq, spectral flow cytometry, etc. ) with mouse behaviour and biochemistry, to explore the contribution of the immune system to the pathological mechanism of autism spectrum disorders.  

Profile

  • You hold a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnologies, Bioinformatics (and related discipline) or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
  • You can demonstrate excellent study results (Distinction).
  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
  • You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
  • Proficiency in oral and written English is required
  • Relevant experience (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, animal behavior, computational methods, etc.) is a plus.
  • You will proactively contribute with your own ideas and keep up to date with the literature, present the data at least once a year, keep clear record of the experiments etc.
  • During the doctoral scholarship, you will be asked to submit and defend an innovative project at the FWO (www.fwo.be ) to obtain a personal fellowship. Please do check eligibility criteria prior to applying for this position.  You are expected to help with the application.  Deadline for this is March 1st  2024.

What we offer

  • We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
  • A versatile and challenging job in a vibrant world-class research environment  operating at an international level
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • A dedicated training program  to broaden your expertise and enhance your skill set
  • Access to trainings for personal, technical and professional development
  • The planned start date is 1st  of March 2024  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 Campus Drie Eiken, at the VIB-CMN research center 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 10th January 2024 (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
    • At least one reference person
  •  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. Please note the following dates in your calendar: 17 till 24/01/2024  (selection tests and selection 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 [email protected]
  • For more information about our research center and the lab Pasciuto lab - Home (vib.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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