Publisher
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University of Antwerp

Postdoctoral scholarship holder: direct-from-sputum whole-genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis University of Antwerp in Belgium

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 1, 2026

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Country

Belgium

University

University of Antwerp

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Keywords

Computer Science
Epidemiology
Microbiology
Medical Science
Quality Control
Salud Pública
Genomic
Clinical Genomics
Statistics
Bioinformatic

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About this position

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time postdoctoral scholarship holder position focused on direct-from-sputum whole-genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The work is embedded in the DiSrupT RR-TB clinical trial, which aims to evaluate a multi-component intervention to reduce RR-TB transmission.

The successful candidate will support the development, implementation, and scientific evaluation of a hybrid sequencing workflow that combines the QIAseq xHYB M. tuberculosis assay directly from sputum with culture-based whole-genome sequencing. A substantial part of the role involves building capacity at the clinical sequencing facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, including the development of standard operating procedures, training staff, supporting SOP implementation, monitoring workflow quality, troubleshooting, and helping adjust procedures where needed.

In addition to laboratory and implementation work, the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data, including drug-resistance inference and transmission analysis. The role sits at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, clinical research, and public health, and includes contributing to analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of DiSrupT RR-TB study results.

The appointment is full-time for 24 months and is based at the University of Antwerp’s Drie Eiken Campus. Funding is described as a postdoctoral scholarship holder appointment with pay according to the university’s BAP scales, plus benefits such as ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and commuting support.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field; experience with microbial genomic data; wet-lab WGS experience for M. tuberculosis; NGS analysis and interpretation, especially drug-resistance-related variants; direct sequencing from clinical specimens; and capacity-building experience in low- and middle-income country settings. Applicants must also satisfy the mobility requirement of not having resided or carried out their primary activity in Belgium for at least 12 months during the past 3 years.

The application deadline is 1 October 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time. Applicants must apply online and include a motivation letter and academic CV. Questions about the position can be directed to Vincent Rennie.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. They must not have resided or carried out any primary activity in Belgium for at least 12 months in the past 3 years. Required experience includes hands-on microbial genomic data analysis, wet-lab whole-genome sequencing processes for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of M. tuberculosis next-generation sequencing data including drug-resistance variants, direct-on-clinical-specimen next-generation sequencing, and capacity building or skill transfer in low- and middle-income country research settings. Strong English oral and written skills are required; experience with phylogenetic analysis of transmission dynamics and capacity building in African countries is desirable.

How to apply

Apply through the University of Antwerp online job application platform by 2026-10-01 23:59 Brussels time. Submit a motivation letter and academic CV. Direct questions about the job to Vincent Rennie at [email protected], and questions about the application form to [email protected].

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