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 over 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play a vital service role in society. As one of the largest, most international, and innovative employers in the region, we have more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, 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 shape.

The Global Health Institute at the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health in the Faculty of Medicine is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of pharmaco-epidemiology.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of pharmaco-epidemiology and the early life microbiome. The overall aim of the project is to assess how antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) affect the microbiome acquisition during early life, how this impacts the risk of common infections and immune-related outcomes such as asthma and allergies, and how large this impact could be on a population level. These studies aim to provide insights into the underlying pathways of microbiome-modulating drugs affecting our health and contribute to more rational prescribing of antibiotics and PPIs, which are often over-consumed without evidence-based indications.

• Publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• Carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks at the Global Health Institute, including co-supervising master students.

Profile

• Hold a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Teaching competences align with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Research qualities align with the faculty and university research policies.
• Act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• Have an interest in early-life microbiome and long-term effects of prescribed drugs. Scientific publications (published or in process), preferably in a related field, are a merit, as well as high proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Enjoy working independently and in a team, and are eager to learn new methodologies. Experience in programming and working with “big data” is a merit.

What we offer

• A full-time doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation.
• Planned start date is October 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Monthly scholarship amount calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• Ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Work primarily at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
• Learn more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• Apply through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform by Monday, September 16, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form, including the following attachments:
  • A motivation letter
  • Your academic CV
  • Own scientific publications under review (if applicable)
• The selection committee reviews all applications after the application deadline. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• For questions about the online application form, check the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. For questions about the job, contact Prof. Nele Brusselaers, Professor in Pharmaco-epidemiology, nele.brusselaers@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 that 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.