Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Sciences
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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 Department of Veterinary Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of animal physiology and small camelid immunisation and the generation of single domain antibodies.  

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of camelid immunization technologies. Your responsibilities will include designing and conducting new and improved methodologies to immunize camelids with fungal antigens, as well as analysing the outcomes, such as animal reactions and immune responses. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions about single domain antibody discovery projects arising from these immunizations. Your research aims to reduce and refine the use of llamas for this innovative research project aiming for the highest animal welfare standards. This PhD project is a collaboration between UAntwerpen (department of veterinary sciences and department of farmaceutica sciences) and Biotalys. Biotalys is a food and crop protection company developing a new generation of protein-based biocontrol solutions, shaping the future of sustainable and safe food supply.

• During the first year of the scholarship you will help prepare a VLAIO Baekeland project. If successful, you will become the mandate holder of this 4 year VLAIO Baekeland project.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching, clinical service and research support tasks for the laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry. You will perform health and welfare management and veterinary clinical work with llamas and alpacas in our Camelid Immunisation Facility (Uantwerpen).

Profile

• You hold a European Master degree in Veterinary Sciences or you will have obtained it by the time you start this work.
• You can demonstrate good study results.
• Experience with large animal veterinary medicine is a must.
• You have or willing to get a certificate to work with animals in a research context.
• Basic knowledge of animal immunology and molecular biology is preferred.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are proficient in written and spoken English. You are a team player and an excellent communicator.
• You have a driver’s license (car).

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation and if the Vlaio project is granted, the scholarship can be renewed for another 3-4 years.
• The planned start date is 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• 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 Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. You will also work at Biotalys in Sint-Denijs-Westrem (Ghent).
• 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 February 10^th, 2025 (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
  • your diploma in veterinary sciences.
• 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 jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact jo.leroy@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 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.