A fully funded PhD position is available at VIB–UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology to investigate how food allergy during early life shapes the gut–brain immune axis. This interdisciplinary project spans immunology, neuroimmunology, gut microbiota research, computational biology, and systems-level analysis.
Project Summary
Emerging evidence shows that allergic immune responses in the gut can influence the brain, yet the mechanisms behind this communication remain unresolved. This PhD project explores how early-life food allergy alters the gut microbiota, reprograms immune cells, and enables their migration to the brain, driving neuroinflammation.
The PhD student will:
- Characterize immune cell responses in food allergy models
- Investigate how immune alterations affect brain immunity
- Integrate experimental findings with spatial and computational analyses
- Work closely with experts in immunology, neuroimmunology, and computational biology across Belgium and Spain
Position Details
This project is a collaboration between:
- Computational Neurobiology Group (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva)
- Gut–Immune–Brain Axis Lab (Dr. Seppe De Schepper)
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (IN, UMH–CSIC), Spain (incoming lab of Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga)
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related fields
- FELASA certification
- Experience or strong interest in in vivo models, flow cytometry, and imaging
- Motivation to develop computational biology skills (training provided)
- Background in programming (desired)
- Excellent English communication skills
Offer
- Two-year doctoral scholarship, renewable for two additional years after positive evaluation
- Support to apply for external fellowships
- Access to advanced core facilities (genomics, imaging, bioinformatics, model systems)
- Training programmes through VIB and UAntwerp
- Joint supervision across Belgium and Spain
- International research environment with strong collaborative networks
- Scholarship benefits including ecocheques, internet allowance, and transport support
- Start date: November 2025
How to Apply
Submit your application through the VIB online job application platform. Include:
- Detailed CV with relevant experience
- Motivation letter explaining your interest in this project
- Highlight of 2–3 recent publications that shaped your interest
- Names and contacts of two referees
For questions: valeriya.malysheva@vib.be, Sebastiaan.DeSchepper@vib.be