Doctoral fellowship on the subject: Peripheral immune imprinting of brain immunity in human-relevant models

Departement: Departement Farmaceutische Wetenschappen
Regime Voltijds

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The Laboratory of cell Biology and Histology at the University of Antwerp and UCB Pharma are seeking to fill the following full-time (100%) vacancy: Doctoral fellowship on the subject: Peripheral immune imprinting of brain immunity in human-relevant models.

Position

You prepare a doctoral thesis at the crossroads of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the research topic described below.

You perform scientific research and report on your results by actively participating in scientific conferences and by writing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles.

You contribute to a limited extent to educational and scientific outreach activities.

Research Topic

Peripheral inflammatory signals can induce long-lasting systemic immune activation that engages brain border myeloid cells and drives microglial reprogramming, thereby influencing neurodegenerative cascades. To investigate this in a scalable and translationally relevant manner, we will employ a human immune-competent cerebral organoid platform with modular control over neuro-immune interactions. By combining single-cell resolved omics with fully contextualized, in toto imaging, we will dissect how peripheral inputs reshape macrophage/microglial identity, alter synaptic function, and modulate amyloid pathology. This integrated approach will enable us to resolve both the spatial and temporal dynamics of neuroimmune imprinting. Finally, by addressing the persistence, reversibility, and underlying signaling pathways of this process, we aim to identify novel intervention points to prevent chronic neuroinflammation.

Profile

You hold a master degree in (Bio-)medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, (Bio-) Physics, Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, Medicine or equivalent;

You have a passion for experimental research with strong interest in science at the interface of various disciplines (biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences).

You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.

Experience with techniques such as iPSC culture, genome engineering, advanced fluorescence microscopy, transcriptomics and/or bioinformatics is an asset.

You are motivated to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary team with flexibility to perform experimental research at both collaborating research groups (PhD project between the University of Antwerp ad UCB Pharma). While most of the experimental work is expected to be performed at the University of Antwerp, there will be regular exchange with UCB (Braine L’Alleud site)

Students in the final year of their degree as well as foreign candidates are welcome to apply as well;

What we offer

A doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, which can be prolonged to a total of 4 years after a positive evaluation;

A cutting-edge research project in a dynamic and stimulating work environment where the candidate will be exposed to various state-of-the art technologies.

Want to apply?

Applications can be submitted until June 30th, 2026 through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include a copy of your CV and a cover letter.

For questions about the profile, research topic and the description of duties, please contact prof. Winnok De Vos (Voir email sur uantwerpen.be; Tel: Afficher le numéro de téléphone)

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 diversityand 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.