PhD position in food allergy and the Gut-Brain Immune Axis

The University of Antwerp, a leading European institution, is offering a full-time PhD position focused on food allergy and the gut-brain immune axis. The project is hosted at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, and involves collaboration with the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante in Spain. The research aims to unravel how allergic immune responses in the gut influence brain function, particularly how food allergy during early life can alter the gut microbiota, reprogram immune cells, and promote their migration to the brain, potentially triggering neuroinflammation. The successful candidate will characterize immune cell responses in food allergy models and assess their impact on brain immunity, working closely with experts in food allergy, neuroimmunology, and computational biology. The project integrates experimental findings with spatial and systems-level analyses of inflammation along the gut–brain axis. The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is renowned for its research in neurogenetics and neuroinflammation, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international research environment. The PhD student will benefit from joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams in Belgium and Spain, opportunities for advanced training, international mobility, and scientific exchange. The position includes a doctoral scholarship for two years, renewable for another two years upon positive evaluation, with monthly amounts set by university rates and additional benefits such as ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and commuting support. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related fields, FELASA certification, experience or strong interest in experimental immunology, motivation to learn computational biology/bioinformatics, some programming background, and excellent English communication skills. The application process requires submission of a detailed CV, motivation letter, 2-3 recent publications, and contact details of two referees via the University of Antwerp’s online platform. The university values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.