The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a PhD position focused on the impact of a plant-based diet on chronic low back pain, gut microbiome, and inflammation. This opportunity is part of the PLANTIP project, a collaborative effort among several leading research groups: Pain in Motion (PAIN), AI supported modelling in Clinical Sciences (AIMS), Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance (MOVE), and Chronic Inflammation and Blood Brain Barrier Disruption in Neurodegeneration (CBN, Hasselt University). The project aims to address a critical gap in chronic low back pain (CLBP) research by investigating the effects of a personalized, plant-based dietary intervention integrated with best-evidence rehabilitation care.

CLBP is a major cause of disability worldwide, with significant personal and socioeconomic impacts. Despite advances in rehabilitation, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal, prompting a shift towards lifestyle-related factors such as diet and nutrition. Recent studies indicate that individuals with CLBP have poorer diet quality, particularly lower intake of vegetables and whole grains. Plant-based diets are known to enhance gut microbiome diversity and stability and are associated with reduced systemic inflammation, which is implicated in the persistence of CLBP.

The PLANTIP project is a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up. It will compare three intervention arms: (1) anti-inflammatory plant-based diet combined with physiotherapy, (2) plant-based diet alone, and (3) physiotherapy alone. The primary outcome is reduction in self-reported pain intensity, while secondary outcomes include changes in diet quality, systemic inflammatory markers, gut microbiota composition, physical function, quality of life, and mental wellbeing. Mechanistic analyses embedded in the trial will elucidate how dietary modulation influences chronic pain, particularly through inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

As a PhD researcher, you will be based at the Brussels Health Campus (Jette) and join a highly collaborative, innovative team with expertise in pain, lifestyle interventions, microbiology, nutrition, and inflammatory processes. You will receive advanced training in relevant techniques and have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings, expanding your professional network. The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months based on positive evaluation, with a grant linked to government scales. Additional benefits include telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus meal discounts, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to learning platforms.

Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or bio-engineering sciences before October 1st, 2026. Required skills include knowledge of microbiology, bioinformatics, statistics, and clinical trial processes. Fluency in Dutch and strong communication skills in academic English are essential. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, a team player, and able to work independently. Willingness to apply for personal FWO funding, support teaching activities, and supervise master thesis students is expected. Students graduating this academic year are welcome to apply. Non-EEA nationals must meet permit and residence requirements for VUB.

To apply, submit your motivation letter in English, scientific CV, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via jobs.vub.be by 30/04/2026. The selection process includes an initial file review and a job interview. For job content questions, contact Prof. Doris Vandeputte at [email protected]. For more information about VUB and its role in the EUTOPIA alliance, visit jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu.