Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of reproductive pathophysiology and toxicology

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 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 reproductive pathophysiology and toxicology

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis of reproductive pathophysiology and toxicology entitled “Impact of maternal metabolic status and environmental chemical exposure on placental development.”
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and attend scientific conferences with poster or oral presentations.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Comparative Perinatal Development and/or Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry group.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in life sciences (Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Applied Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology,…) or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate good study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You stand for open and honest communication.
• You have a Certificate of Laboratory Animal Sciences valid in the EU, or you are prepared to obtain such a certificate as soon as possible;
• By preference, you are experienced in working with animal models;
• You are prepared to apply for externally financed personal research grants (e.g. FWO).
• Foreign applicants from outside of the European Union are asked to inform themselves about visa regulations.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another period of 1 year, up until a maximum of 4 years in total.   
• The planned start date is 1 January 2027 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.
• 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 Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working 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 30 September 2026 (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
  • a summary of your Master thesis
  • a weblink to a short video (2 min) introducing yourself
  • contact details of 1 professional referee
• 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. Please note the following date for the potential selection interview in your calendar: 14 October 2026 in the afternoon.
• 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 the supervisors Prof. Dr. Steven Van Cruchten, [email protected] or Prof. Dr. Jo Leroy, [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.