The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is recruiting enthusiastic, creative, ambitious, and highly motivated PhD candidates to join us starting autumn 2025!
Our different research groups explore how the brain and nervous system develops, ages and functions in health and disease by bridging disciplines, from artificial intelligence, microelectronics and nanoscience, to microfluidics, single-cell and molecular analysis, functional genomics and cell biology in human cells and animal models.
Research Themes
The Center focuses on five research themes:
- Neuronal and neurodegenerative disease;
- Brain development and repair;
- Synapses, connections & behavior;
- Toxic protein assemblies;
- The brain at single-cell resolution.
Doing a PhD at our Center
Embedded within both VIB and KU Leuven, we offer a unique PhD experience with access to state-of-the-art facilities, expertise, and training. PhD students will have the opportunity to work together with internationally recognized scientists and develop their research projects in an innovative research environment. We also have a PhD Association, which organizes social activities, networking and upskilling events, and an annual PhD Symposium.
Requirements
To be considered for a PhD position, you must meet the following requirements:
- Appropriate master’s or equivalent higher education degree;
- Distinction (=cum laude) based on your study results or professional realizations;
- Proficiency in oral and written English in accordance with the criteria of KU Leuven (more information available here).
Relevant experience (e.g. molecular biology, cellular physiology, neuroscience, animal behavior, computational methods, etc.) is a plus. Candidates from non-neuroscience fields but with a keen interest in understanding the brain (e.g. physics, artificial intelligence, engineering, humanities, and medical training) are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note that this is an international call. Local candidates are encouraged to contact directly the principal investigators.
Application
You should use our online application tool to apply. When filling this out, please remember to:
- Upload your CV as an attachment.
- Upload digital copies of university transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s) as an attachment if available.
- Input the contact information of 2-3 referees.
- Upload your motivation letter as an attachment. The letter should include:
- Clear indication of the PhD project you are applying for. You can find out more about the available projects here.
- Answers to the following:
What are your research experiences? Please comment on the following:
- Duration in months
- Technical knowledge gained
What are your scientific interests? Please include:
- List 1-2 favorite publication(s)
- Explanatory statements for your choice
Timeline
Deadline: 29th November 2024.
Interviews: We will be in touch with applicants within one month after the call closes. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the PI to whom the candidate applied.
On-Site Visit: Selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site visit to our Center in March 2025.
Offers: Final offers will be extended by the end of March.
For application inquiries, please contact [email protected] or visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information.
