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 20,000 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 6,000 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.
Vaccinopolis, the Centre for Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, , is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Vaccine Immunology and Omics technologies.
Position
- You will actively prepare and defend a PhD thesis in the field of vaccine immunology with a specific focus on omics approaches to vaccine responses. You will actively participate in dissecting systemic and mucosal immunology, evaluating unique samples from participants enrolled in human in vivo challenge studies. The PhD project will explore systemic and mucosal immune mechanisms in response to challenge agents or vaccination, using cutting-edge technologies to identify molecular signatures and pathways involved in protective or dysregulated immunity.
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for Vaccinopolis.
Profile
- You hold a Master's degree in (Bio)-medical Sciences, Immunology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Your teaching competencies align with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities align with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
- Experience in immunological assays with human samples (e.g., flow cytometry) and omics technologies (proteomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics) is required.
- Expertise in bioinformatics, statistical analysis, or programming languages (e.g., R or Python) is a strong asset.
- You are enthusiastic and curious, motivated to develop novel scientific approaches.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed with one year until the full trajectory of 4 years has been reached.
- 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 Eiken 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 1 September 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 academic CV
- a copy of your Master's diploma or a provisional certificate if you are nearing graduation
- names and contact details of two references
- 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 next steps in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar: 15 September 2025 (selection tests/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. Paolo Palma ([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.
