Postdoctoral scholarship holder direct-from-sputum whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Departement: Huisartsgeneeskunde en Bevolkingsgezondheid
Regime Voltijds

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As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to the implementation and scientific evaluation of direct-from-sputum whole-genome sequencing within the DiSrupT RR-TB trial. The clinical trial will evaluate a multi-component intervention to reduce the transmission of RR-TB. A key component of the intervention is a hybrid approach to whole genome sequencing, combining the QIAseq xHYB Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay directly from sputum with culture-based whole-genome sequencing. The clinical trial will take place in the Kwazulu Natal (KZN) province of South Africa.

You will support the development and implementation of the sequencing hybrid workflow at the clinical sequencing facility in KZN. You will develop the standard operating procedures (SOP), build capacity at the KZN sequencing facility by train staff members in the development and implementation of the optimal sequencing workflows at the KZN laboratory. You will assist the laboratory in implementing the SOP so that the genomic data generated are of high quality and suitable for drug-resistance and transmission analyses. Once the workflows are established, you will monitor quality of the processes and assist with troubleshooting and procedure adjustment where required. You will also contribute to the bioinformatic analysis of whole-genome sequencing data generated, both with respect to drug resistance inference and transmission inference.

You will work in a multidisciplinary research environment at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, clinical and public-health research. You will contribute to the analysis, interpretation and dissemination of study results of the DiSrupT RR-TB project

The Department of Family Medicine and Population Health in the Faculty of Medicine is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral scholarship holder in the field of direct-from-sputum whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Position

You will support existing research projects and contribute to scientific progress within your discipline.

You will conduct research and publish your results to disseminate scientific insights.

You will compete for internal and external (postdoctoral) funding for supplemental research projects that could increase the impact of the DiSrupt RR-TB study.

You will build and maintain international scientific contacts.

You will assist in the supervision of PhD students with a view to successfully completing and defending their thesis.

You will translate research results into new economic and social applications and contributions.

In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to research management within the TORCH Consortium.

Profile

You hold a PhD in a relevant field such as microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics or a related discipline and you have not resided or carried out any primary activity in Belgium for at least 12 months in the past 3 years.

You have hands-on experience with the analysis of microbial genomic data.

You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.

Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

You can work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team spanning laboratory science, genomics, bioinformatics and epidemiology.

You have strong scientific communication skills and can contribute to scientific publications and dissemination of research findings.

Must-have

You have experience with performing the wet-lab processes of whole genome sequencing as it relates to whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

You have experience with bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis next-generation sequencing data, including the analysis and interpretation of genetic variants relevant to drug resistance

Experience with next-generation sequencing approaches that are performed directly on clinical specimens.

Experience with capacity building in and skill transfer to research settings in low and middle-income countries

Nice-to-have

You have experience with analyses of phylogenetic data for assessment of transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

You have Experience with capacity building in African countries.

What we offer

We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 24 months;

We offer the opportunity to take part in research-related activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.

The planned start date is 4th January 2027.

Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral 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 Drie Eiken Campus 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 1st October 2026 (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

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 Voir email sur uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Vincent Rennie (Voir email sur uantwerpen.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 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.