Postdoctoral Position in Physiology
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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 Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (MovAnt Research Group) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of molecular exercise physiology.

Research project

The PhD research project is conducted in collaboration with the MovAnt research group (Prof. Sebastiaan Dalle), the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (Prof. Annelies Van Eyck) and the laboratory of Physiopharmacology (Prof. Pieter-Jan Guns).

This PhD project aims to uncover the unexplored role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in systemic and peripheral metabolic and inflammatory adaptations following exercise (in obesity). Methodological approaches include 1) a murine (diet-induced obesity) model, 2) acute and chronic exercise paradigms, 3) treatment with peripherally restricted enzyme-based eCB modulators, 4) multi-tissue molecular analyses and 5) functional assays of in vivo metabolism and exercise capacity. This project will generate a multi-tissue eCB atlas in response to acute exercise & obesity, taking into account sexual dimorphism, and fundamental insights in the mechanisms that underlie acute and chronic metabolic and inflammatory exercise adaptations (in obesity).

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of molecular exercise physiology.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project, and you will disseminate your results to the scientific community and the larger public via meetings and conferences.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy.
• You will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Biomedical) Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences  or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a strong background, experience and/or interest to acquire those in exercise physiology, metabolic & inflammatory regulation, molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as protein/mRNA extraction, western blotting, qPCR is an asset.
• You can work both independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team.
• You have strong analytical skills and an appropriate problem solving attitude.
• Since your experiments will be mainly performed in rodents, you hold a FELASA certificate (or equivalent), or you are willing to obtain one.
• You have basic knowledge of statistical tools.
• 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.

What we offer

• By the end of the PhD, the successful candidate will graduate with a highly competitive set of experimental and scientific skills, such as experimental design, animal handling, molecular biology techniques, data handling, statistical analyses and science communication.
• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed.
• A stimulating and multi-disciplinary research environment.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2025 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.
• 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 31 July 2025 (by midnight 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. The interviews will take place between August 11 – 22 2025 (the specific date will be communicated later).
  • a motivation letter concisely describing 1) your relevant research experience and competitive advantages, 2) your interest in the topic of the proposed project (max. 1.5 pages)
  • your academic CV (highlighting mastered experimental skills, honours, grades, prizes publications if any)
  • FELASA certificate (if any)
  • Contact details of two referees
• 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. Sebastiaan Dalle at Sebastiaan.dalle@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.