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 Parasitology group at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) within the 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 fields of immunoparasitology and vaccine development.
Position description
- You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of immunology, parasitology, and genetics, with a strong emphasis on vaccine development and natural transmission with insect vectors. The project focuses on human protozoan parasites Plasmodium and Leishmania that express pro-inflammatory factors, which hyperactivate the host immune system and hinder the establishment of long-term immunologic memory. Strategies such as immunoneutralization or genetic deletion of these parasitic factors have enhanced host immune memory and provided protection against severe disease and reinfection. Notably, host cells also produce pro-inflammatory factors during parasitic infection, further complicating the immune landscape. This research aims to dissect these interactions to inform the design of next-generation vaccines.
- The successful candidate will work actively on preparing and defending a PhD thesis closely with international experts in parasitic diseases, inflammation, and public and private laboratories investigating vaccines for infectious diseases.
Profile
- You should hold a Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, or related disciplines, or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- You have and can demonstrate experience with rodent animal models and have a FELASA certification.
- Your research qualities align with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another one-year period, up to a maximum of four years in total.
- The planned start date is 1st of October 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- 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 Eikien in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. You will be able to do an internship in an international laboratory.
- 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 24 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 describing each of the following points:
- Why are you interested in this particular research project, highlighting 2-3 scientific publications defining your interest
- Your interest in the field of parasitology
- Your approach to experimental work involving animals and insect vectors
- your academic CV highlighting mastered experimental skills
- any relevant experience or knowledge you have in the field of parasitology or vaccinology
- 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 selection procedure's possible next step(s).
- 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. dr. Alvaro Baeza Garcia, [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.
