Requirements: English
Company: Universiteit Antwerpen
Region: Antwerpen , Vlaanderen
Lets shape the future - University of Antwerp TheUniversity of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, Europeanuniversity. We offer an innovative academic education to more than20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play animportant service-providing role in society. We are one of thelargest, most international and most innovative employers in theregion. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries,we are helping to build tomorrow''s world every day. Through topscientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course forthe future a future that you can help to shape. The VIB-UAntwerpCenter for Molecular Neurology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical,Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time(100%) doctoral scholarship holder with a project focused onbiomarker discovery in neurological disorders. Position TheComputational Neurobiology group (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva),Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab (Dr. Seppe De Schepper) at theVIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, and the incoming labof Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga at the Instituto de Neurocienciasde Alicante (IN, Universidad Miguel Hernndez-CSIC, Spain), areseeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative andinterdisciplinary project investigating how food allergy affectsgut-brain communication and contributes to brain inflammation.Growing evidence suggests that allergic immune responses in the gutcan influence the brain, but how these signals are transmitted andwhether they contribute to brain disorders remains unclear. Thisproject explores how food allergy during early life alters the gutmicrobiota, reprograms immune cells, and promotes their traffickingto the brain, ultimately triggering neuroinflammation. The PhDstudent will help uncover the molecular and cellular pathwayslinking the allergic gut to the inflamed brain, and how thesepathways shape disease risk later in life. The successful candidatewill work closely with experts in food allergy, neuroimmunology,gut physiology, and computational biology to characterize immunecell responses, construct spatial maps of inflammation along thegut-brain axis, and identify immune-mediated drivers of braindysfunction. Profile We are looking for a talented and enthusiasticcandidate with: - A Masters degree in immunology, neuroscience,molecular biology, or related disciplines - FELASA certification -Ideally, prior experience in bioinformatics and computationalbiology - Strong interest in immune-brain interactions and foodallergy-related immunology - Excellent communication skills andfluency in English - A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to workin an international, interdisciplinary environment What we offerThe VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hostsinternationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogeneticsand Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad setof questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the centraland peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understandingthe genetic etiology and developing diagnostics and treatmentmethods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics,genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biologyto integrative systems and computational biology. Models includeyeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Researchgroups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notchsupport core facilities and attract talented internationalscientist from across the world. - A doctoral scholarship for aperiod of two years. Following a positive evaluation, thescholarship can be renewed for another two-year period. - Theapplicant is expected to apply for their own fellowship, and willbe fully supported during the process - Access to state-of-the-artinfrastructure and core facilities in a vibrant, world-classresearch environment operating at an international level, both inBelgium and Spain - Dedicated training programs available throughVIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance yourskillset - A stimulating and international research environment - Astrong and dynamic network of international collaborators -Primarily based at the VIB-UAntwerp with collaborative visits tothe IN - Joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams atVIB-UAntwerp (Antwerp, BE) and the IN (Alicante, ES) -Opportunities for advanced training, international mobility, andscientific exchange - Your monthly scholarship amount is calculatedaccording to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarshipholders - You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivityallowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of publictransport costs for commuting. - Find out more about working at theUniversity of Antwerp here . Want to apply? - You can apply forthis job through the the University of Antwerps online jobapplication platform. - Dont forget to include the followingdoc