PhD Position in Health Sciences
University of Antwerp
Belgium

Department: Molecular Imaging – Pathology – Radiotherapy – Oncology
Regime: Full-time

Let’s Shape the Future – University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) & University of Antwerp (UA)

The University of Antwerp (UA) is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 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 6 000 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.

Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) is a leading university hospital focused on patient-centered care, academic education, and innovative scientific research with an international outlook. Specialists combine personalized care with evidence-based treatments and continuously invest in research to improve medical care.

UA and UZA are founding partners of NETwerk, a hospital network of eight Flemish hospitals focused on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), a rare form of cancer. NETwerk aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of NENs through multidisciplinary care and translational research. It has become a European reference center for NEN care and is involved in MSCA doctoral network-funded research on innovative immunotherapeutic approaches.

A full-time PhD position is currently available for clinical and translational research in neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Position

• You will prepare a doctoral thesis in clinical and translational research on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN).

• You will coordinate ongoing clinical trials, including:

  • The international randomized phase III SAUNA trial (NCT05701241)

  • The BE-FORCE study (NCT06541080)

• You will contribute to research on:

  • Therapeutic sequencing in NEN

  • High-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms

  • Real-world treatment outcome analysis

  • Real-world quality of life studies

• You will participate in prospective translational research projects focusing on innovative immunotherapy approaches in neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas.

• You will be involved in NETwerk activities together with the coordinator and project manager.

• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

• You will carry out limited teaching and research support tasks.

• You will write grant proposals and apply for scholarships.

• You will present your work at national and international conferences and workshops.

Profile

• You hold (or will obtain by the start date) a Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, or equivalent.

• You meet the eligibility criteria for an FWO Aspirant grant.

• You have excellent academic results (at least distinction).

• You have a strong interest in oncology, translational research, and clinical trials.

• You have good communication and interpersonal skills.

• You have strong written and spoken English skills.

• You demonstrate a proactive attitude and strong scientific motivation.

• You are interested in working in an international research environment.

• Nice to have:

  • Experience in oncology

  • Experience in statistical/data analysis or research

  • Clinical experience with patients

What We Offer

• A doctoral scholarship for 1 year, renewable for an additional 3 years after positive evaluation (maximum 4 years total).

• Planned start date: 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship pay scales.

• Access to the Antwerp Doctoral School training programs.

• A joint research environment across University of Antwerp and University Hospital Antwerp.

• Work in a dynamic clinical and translational research setting involving both hospital and university environments.

Want to Apply?

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp application platform until a candidate is selected.

Required Documents

• Detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, etc.)

• Motivation letter (maximum 1 A4 page)

• A short introduction video (maximum 2 minutes)

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed bi-weekly. Selected candidates will be informed about further steps in the selection procedure.

Contact

• Prof. Dr. Timon Vandamme (promotor): timon.vandamme@uantwerpen.be

• Dr. Siddharth Chhajlani (clinical NET researcher): Siddharth.Chhajlani@uza.be

• General inquiries: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Are you ready to improve therapeutic strategies for patients with rare neuroendocrine cancers by bridging clinic and laboratory research?

Apply now and contribute to advancing innovative oncological care.

The University of Antwerp promotes equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion and holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. It is a sustainable and family-friendly employer committed to supporting employee growth.

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