Doctoral fellow - Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences

Last application date May 22, 2025 16:30

Department GE33 - Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master’s degree (or expected graduation in 2025) in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

For the research group Psychofarmaca@UGent we are looking for a m/f/x

Doctoral fellow

YOUR JOB

• You will contribute to research exploring the role of community pharmacists in the appropriate use of psychotropics (antidepressants and sleep medications), with a particular focus on the discontinuation of antidepressants.
  You will be involved in preparing a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in primary care, aimed at supporting antidepressant discontinuation through a structured collaboration between general practitioners and pharmacists. The ultimate goal of the research is to obtain a doctoral degree.
• Psychofarmaca@UGent

In Belgium, the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines/Z-drugs remains very high. Psychofarmaca@UGent, a research group led by Dr Ellen Van Leeuwen, aim to promote appropriate use: not too much, and if necessary, not for longer than necessary. Our research focuses both on preventing starting the medication, and on supporting the discontinuation of long-term use.
Our research is multidisciplinary, involving collaborations across general practice/medicines, pharmacy, psychology, nursing, and behavioral sciences. We use qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups) and quantitative methods (e.g. surveys). Our target group are stakeholders in primary care, including patients, general practitioners, and community pharmacists. This is applied pharmacotherapy research – we do not conduct basic pharmacological or lab-based research.

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• You have a strong interest in: rational use of psychotropic medication; primary care and mental health, pharmacotherapy research (previous experience is a plus)
• You also demonstrate:
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret research findings;
  • Excellent command of Dutch and English (or are willing to quickly reach a high level);
  • The ability to work well in a team and in an interdisciplinary setting;
  • The capacity to work independently, with good planning and prioritisation skills;
• Motivation and enthusiasm to contribute to more rational use of psychotropic medication together with a dedicated team!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 11 months, which - after a positive evaluation and a successful application of a FWO/KCE project, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/09/2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

How to apply

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation to  [email protected].

We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Ellen Van Leeuwen ([email protected])