Josephina Meester

University of Antwerp / Center for Medical Genetics (CMG Antwerp) is offering a PhD opportunity in whole genome sequencing for rare disease diagnostics . The project, “From Genome to Diagnosis: Clinical Application and Translation of Whole Genome Sequencing in Rare Disease Diagnostics” , focuses on the clinical translation of short-read and long-read whole genome sequencing (sr/lrWGS) to improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. Research topics include identifying pathogenic structural variants, detecting novel disease-causing tandem repeats, integrating episignatures into diagnostic workflows, and interpreting pathogenic non-coding variants. The work sits at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical genetics, with a strong translational and diagnostic emphasis. The successful candidate will join CMG Antwerp, embedded within the University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, and will work alongside teams active in cardiovascular genetics, neurodevelopmental disorders, and genome data analysis. Supervisory contacts mentioned in the post include Prof Dr Bart Loeys and Prof Dr Marije Meuwissen, with co-supervision by Dr Dale Annear and Prof Josephina Meester. Eligibility: a Master’s degree in (Bio)medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, or a related field; strong interest or expertise in bioinformatics; excellent study results; and fluency in written and spoken English. The post also notes that applicants must be eligible for an FWO PhD fellowship. Funding: full-time doctoral scholarship holder position, initially for one year and extendable by three years after positive evaluation and pending funding. The scholarship includes standard doctoral scholarship pay plus ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement. Deadline: 18 June 2026 . Planned start date: 15 September 2026 or soon after. Apply via the University of Antwerp online application platform and include a motivation letter and academic CV.

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position focused on mapping genetic background-driven phenotypic variability in mouse models of IPO8 syndrome. This project is embedded within the Center of Medical Genetics (CMG) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, offering a dynamic and stimulating research environment with substantial expertise in hereditary diseases, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal disorders. IPO8 syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe morbidity in childhood, with no targeted therapies currently available. The project aims to advance preclinical research by developing and characterizing disease models using Ipo8 -/- mouse models on different genetic backgrounds. Key research activities include phenotyping the arterial tree with advanced imaging techniques, characterizing craniofacial and spinal abnormalities, and applying single-cell RNA sequencing to unravel molecular signatures that modify aortopathy penetrance. Supervised by Prof. Aline Verstraeten, Prof. Josephina Meester, and Dr. Wouter Steyaert, the project leverages expertise in cardiovascular and connective tissue disorders as well as bioinformatics. The successful candidate will actively prepare a PhD thesis, publish high-quality scientific articles, and present research at national and international conferences. Applicants must hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Engineering, or obtain it by the start date. Required skills include a FELASA B or FELASA C certificate, fluency in English, and strong research qualities. Desirable skills are expertise in mouse work, cardiovascular or skeletal diseases, and RNA sequencing data analysis. The position offers a doctoral scholarship for one year, extendable for three additional years after positive evaluation, with a monthly scholarship amount according to standard rates, ecocheques, bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement, and access to courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. The planned start date is 01 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 25 June 2026, including a motivation letter and academic CV. The selection committee will review applications after the deadline and notify candidates of next steps. For questions, contact [email protected] or the listed supervisors. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The institution has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a family-friendly, sustainable working environment.

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a doctoral scholarship in the field of clinical application and translation of whole genome sequencing for rare disease diagnostics. This project, based at the Center for Medical Genetics (CMG) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, aims to advance the use of short-read and long-read whole genome sequencing (sr/lrWGS) in routine clinical diagnostics. The research will focus on identifying pathogenic structural variants, detecting novel disease-causing tandem repeats, integrating episignatures into diagnostic algorithms, and interpreting pathogenic non-coding variants. The ultimate goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed for patients with rare diseases. The project is embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital, leveraging substantial expertise and infrastructure in clinical, molecular, and pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases. Research teams led by Prof Dr Bart Loeys and Prof Dr Marije Meuwissen focus on cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental disorders, while co-supervisors Dr Dale Annear and Prof Josephina Meester bring strong backgrounds in bioinformatics and genome dataset analysis. As a doctoral researcher, you will actively prepare a PhD thesis, publish high-quality scientific articles, and present your work at national and international conferences. You will work in a dynamic and stimulating environment at CMG Antwerp, with access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. Applicants must hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or Bio-informatics, or obtain it by the start date. Eligibility for a Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) PhD fellowship is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent study results, ambition, integrity, and a strong eye for quality, along with a positive mindset and good communication skills. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Project-specific skills include a strong affinity for and expertise in bioinformatics analyses, or a demonstrated strong interest in this field. The scholarship is offered for one year, with the possibility of extension for three additional years pending positive evaluation and available funding. The monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to doctoral scholarship holder rates. Additional benefits include ecocheques, a bicycle allowance or reimbursement of public transport costs, and access to courses and educational credit. The planned start date is September 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by June 18, 2026. Required attachments include a motivation letter and academic CV. The selection committee will review applications after the deadline and notify candidates of next steps. For questions about the application form, contact [email protected]; for job-related inquiries, contact Prof Dr Bart Loeys or Prof Dr Marije Meuwissen. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The institution has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a sustainable, family-friendly working environment.