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 20000 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 6000 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.
The Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “Mapping genetic background-driven phenotypic variability in mouse models of IPO8 syndrome”.
Join us in pushing preclinical connective tissue disease research
IPO8 syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal abnormalities. Affected patients experience severe morbidity early in life (childhood), for which no targeted therapies are currently available. Improving patient outcomes requires the development of well-characterized and representative disease models, as well as a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the diverse clinical manifestations.
In this PhD project, you will contribute to preclinical IPO8 syndrome research using Ipo8-/- mouse models on different genetic backgrounds by:
🫀 Phenotyping the arterial tree, incl. optimization of cutting-edge advanced imaging techniques
🦴 Characterizing craniofacial and spinal abnormalities
🧬 Applying scRNA sequencing to unravel molecular signatures modifying aortopathy penetrance
The project will be executed at the Antwerp CMG, embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital. It has built up substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of clinical, molecular and pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases, including heart and large vessel diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and intellectual disability. Within this environment, Prof. Verstraeten and Prof. Meester spearhead projects focused on cardiovascular and connective tissue disorders, with IPO8 being a major stronghold. Additionally, Prof. Meester and Dr. Wouter Steyaert have a key interest and expertise in bioinformatics.
Position
- You will apply for a Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) PhD fellowship.
- You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of preclinical IPO8 research.
- You will publish high-quality scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry and/or Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- You bring ambition, integrity, and a strong eye for quality, along with a positive mindset.
- You are a strong team player with good communication skills.
- You are fluent in written and spoken English.
Project-specific required skills
- You successfully acquired a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate.
- You enjoy implementing/optimizing new technologies.
Project-specific desirable skills
- You have expertise in mouse work.
- You have experience in the field of cardiovascular diseases and/or skeletal diseases.
- You have expertise in RNA sequencing data analysis.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship will be extended for an additional three years.
- The planned start date is 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or reimbursement of public transport costs.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at CMG Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating 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 25 June 2026. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV (including honours, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications,…)
- 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 [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Aline Verstraeten ([email protected]) or Prof. Josephina Meester ([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.
