Postdoctoral Position in Physics
University of Antwerp
Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking 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 boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help shape. 

As part of a large multidisciplinary research project, we are seeking three highly motivated and talented PhD students to develop and benchmark cutting-edge super-resolution imaging technologies. The project aims to establish a comprehensive approach for ultra-high-content, multimodal imaging of the neurodegenerative mouse brain. Specifically, we will enhance the spatial resolution of three complementary imaging modalities—diffusion-weighted MRI, arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, and light sheet microscopy—and integrate these technologies to provide unprecedented insights into incurable brain diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease. This research builds on strong collaborations and complementary expertise between the imec-Vision Lab (image reconstruction, processing, and analysis), the Bio-Imaging Lab (preclinical neuro-MRI), and the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (cell biology and advanced microscopy). These teams are founding partners of the µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence and bring extensive experience from their pioneering work in these fields (more info).

For this specific position, the imec-Vision Lab (Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science) and the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) are looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of super-resolution light sheet microscopy for scalable, in toto brain research.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on the topic mentioned above. You will develop a method to improve the spatial resolution and image quality of light sheet microscopy images obtained from cleared, intact mouse brains. For this you can rely on cutting edge microscopy technologies, available through our internationally recognized core facility (https://www.acam-uantwerpen.be). Once established, you will apply this approach to visualize brain pathology progression in a mouse model for Huntington’s Disease and correlate the readouts with those obtained with other imaging modalities.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and present your work through posters and presentations at (inter)national conferences.
• You will be embedded in two research teams (imec-Vision Lab and Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology), and work in close collaboration with the Bio-Imaging Lab offering complementary expertise in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in (bio-)physics, computer science, mathematics, biomedical engineering, or related field or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. Last-year master students (graduating in summer 2025) are welcome apply.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• 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.
• A background in scientific computing and/or advanced microscopy is recommended. Expertise in neuroscience is an asset.
• You are proficient in at least one programming language.

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 planned start date is between 1 May 2025 and 1 September 2025.
• 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 work in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment for high-level neuroscience research, with state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure (Campus Drie Eiken).
• 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 16 February 2025 (by 23:59 Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: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 dates in your calendar: selection interviews will take place on 4 or 5 March 2025.
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV, including a transcript of your study results and contact details of two references.
• 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 Prof. Dr. Winnok De Vos (winnok.devos@uantwerpen.be) and Prof. Dr. Jan Sijbers (jan.sijbers@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.