Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
For a whole genome sequencing project at the Center for Medical Genetics (CMG) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of “From Genome to Diagnosis: Clinical Application and Translation of Whole Genome Sequencing in Rare Disease Diagnostics”.
Help Shape the Future of Whole Genome Sequencing Diagnostics
Over the past decade, next generation sequencing has undergone a remarkable evolution. What began with targeted gene panel testing has progressed to exome sequencing and, ultimately, whole genome sequencing. As sequencing technologies become faster, more accurate and more affordable, both short-read and long-read whole genome sequencing (sr/lrWGS) are now moving within reach of routine clinical diagnostics. These technologies open up new possibilities for identifying the genetic causes of rare diseases, including in patients for whom conventional diagnostic approaches have not provided an answer. At the same time, long-read WGS introduces new challenges, particularly in the areas of bioinformatics, data analysis and clinical interpretation.
As part of this PhD project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the clinical application and translation of whole genome sequencing in the diagnosis of rare diseases. You will work with sr/lrWGS data and help develop innovative analytical approaches that will take genetic diagnostics to the next level. Your research will focus on, among other topics:
- identifying pathogenic structural variants;
- detecting novel disease-causing tandem repeats;
- integrating episignatures into the diagnostic algorithm;
- detecting and interpreting pathogenic non-coding variants.
In doing so, you will contribute to a future in which more patients with rare diseases receive a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
The project will be executed at the Antwerp CMG, embedded within the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp University Hospital. It has built up substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of clinical, molecular and pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases, including heart and large vessel diseases, hearing loss, cancer, bone diseases and intellectual disability. Within this environment, the research teams of Prof. Dr. Loeys and Prof. Dr. Meuwissen spearhead the projects focused on cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental disorders. The project will be co‑supervised by Dr Dale Annear and Prof Josephina Meester, which both have a strong background in bio-informatic analysis of genome datasets.
Position
- You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of whole genome sequencing for rare disease.
- You will publish high-quality scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will present your work at national and international scientific workshops and conferences.
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in (Bio)medical sciences, Biochemistry,Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or Bio-informatics or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
- You are eligible to apply for a Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) PhD fellowship.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- You bring ambition, integrity, and a strong eye for quality, along with a positive mindset.
- You are a strong team player with good communication skills.
- You are fluent in written and spoken English.
Project-specific required skills
- You have a strong affinity for and expertise in bioinformatics analyses, or a demonstrated strong interest in this field.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for one year. Following a positive evaluation and pending available funding, the scholarship will be extended for an additional three years.
- The planned start date is 15/09/2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or reimbursement of public transport costs.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at CMG Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 18, 2026. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV (including honours, grades, skills, prior mobility, publications,…)
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof Dr Bart Loeys ([email protected]) or Prof Dr Marije Meuwissen ([email protected])
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
