Doctoral scholarship holder “Mapping genetic background-driven phenotypic variability in mouse models of IPO8 syndrome”. University of Antwerp's Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full‑time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder for a PhD project named “Mapping genetic background‑driven phenotypic variability in mouse models of IPO8 syndrome”. In this role you will contribute to preclinical research on Ipo8 -/- mouse models on different genetic backgrounds by phenotyping the arterial tree, characterizing craniofacial and spinal abnormalities, and applying single‑cell RNA sequencing to unravel molecular signatures that modify aortopathy penetrance.
IPO8 syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder. It causes cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal abnormalities, and currently no targeted therapies are available. Improving patient outcomes requires well‑characterized disease models and a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Position
You will apply for a Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) PhD fellowship.
You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of preclinical IPO8 research.
You will publish high‑quality scientific articles related to the research project.
You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.
Profile
You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry and/or Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
You bring ambition, integrity, and a strong eye for quality, along with a positive mindset.
You are a strong team player with good communication skills.
You are fluent in written and spoken English.
Project‑specific required skills
You have successfully acquired a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate.
You have expertise in mouse work.
You have experience in the field of cardiovascular diseases and/or skeletal diseases.
You have expertise in RNA sequencing data analysis.
What we offer
A doctoral scholarship for one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship will be extended for an additional three years.
The planned start date is 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
You receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or reimbursement of public transport costs.
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 CMG Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
Want to apply?
You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including
25 June 2026. Please submit a motivation letter and your academic CV (including honours, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications).
The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the deadline and will notify you promptly of the decision. If you are still eligible, you will be informed of possible next steps in the selection procedure.
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 encourages diversity and attaches 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.
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