PhD candidate in Physiology/Pharmacology

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Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Regime Full-time

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 Department of Pharmacy within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is seeking a full‑time PhD candidate in Physiology/Pharmacology.

Position

  • You will actively work on the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation in Physiology and Pharmacology. You will participate in a project investigating the role of epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) in cardiomyocytes during ageing and atrial fibrillation. The research involves human heart tissue samples as well as mouse models of atrial fibrillation. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies and biomarkers for these conditions by better understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation, ageing, and atrial fibrillation.
  • You will contribute by processing human samples, establishing mouse models, and performing molecular studies.
  • You publish scientific papers related to the research project.
  • You take on a limited set of teaching and supporting tasks for the Physiology department.

Profile

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field, or you will obtain the degree by the time of appointment.
  • You have an excellent academic track record.
  • You work in a quality‑oriented, honest, creative, and collaborative manner.
  • You enjoy challenges, problem solving, and are willing to commit fully to the project.
  • 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.

What we offer

  • We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
  • The intended start date is 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
  • Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
  • You receive an internet connectivity allowance and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport commuting 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 work mainly on Campus Drie Eiken, PhysioPharmacology lab, in a dynamic and stimulating research environment. You will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills and to develop yourself as an independent scientist in a high‑performing laboratory. You will be supervised intensively by Vincent Segers and Gilles De Keulenaer, two enthusiastic and accomplished researchers. Occasional sample collection at the University Hospital operating room and short research stays at Prof. Llewelyn Roderick’s lab at KU Leuven are foreseen.
  • You will contribute to exciting and relevant scientific research that may lead to new discoveries for the treatment of heart disease.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this vacancy until and including 12 May 2026 via the University of Antwerp’s online application platform. Click the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online form. Please attach the following documents: a motivation letter and your curriculum vitae.
  • The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the deadline. You will be informed once a decision has been made. If you pass the pre‑selection, we will notify you about the next step(s) in the process. Please already reserve the following date in your calendar: 27 May 2026.
  • 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 Vincent Segers: vincent.segers@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.

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