Let’s shape the future – University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) & University of Antwerp (UA)
The University of Antwerp (UA) is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 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 6 000 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.
Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) is a leading university hospital focused on patient-centered care, academic education, and innovative scientific research with an international outlook. Our specialists combine personalized care with evidence-based treatments and continuously invest in research to improve medical care. Education is a core part of our mission: since launching our doctoral training program in 1972, UZA has helped train generations of healthcare professionals through a strong and expanding educational network built on innovation and collaboration.
Both UA and UZA are founding partners of NETwerk, a hospital network consisting of eight Flemish hospitals focused on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), a rare form of cancer. NETwerk aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of NENs by jointly discussing patients at multidisciplinary consults and by conducting preclinical, translational and clinical research. In 2017, NETwerk became a European reference center for neuroendocrine neoplasm care. Recently, NETwerk obtained funding through the MSCA doctoral network program for research on innovative immunotherapeutic approaches in NEN.
Given the focus within NETwerk on research, we are currently looking for a full-time PhD student for clinical and translational research on neuroendocrine neoplasms.
Position
- You will prepare a doctoral thesis on clinical and translational research in NEN. This includes coordinating ongoing clinical trials such as the international, randomized, phase III SAUNA trial (NCT05701241) and the BE-FORCE study (NCT06541080). In addition, research projects on therapeutic sequencing, high-grade NEN, real-world data treatment outcomes analysis, and real-world quality of life analysis will be conducted by you. Finally, you will be involved in prospective translational research projects with a focus on innovative immunotherapy in neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoma’s.
- You will be involved in NETwerk activities, together with the NETwerk coordinator and project manager.
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.
- You will write grant proposals and apply for scholarships.
- You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology or equivalent, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
- You meet the eligibility criteria for applying for an FWO Aspirant grant.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results (at least distinction).
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You show strong interest in oncology, translational research and clinical trials.
- You have good communication and interpersonal skills.
- You have good knowledge of English (both written and spoken).
- Must have: a proactive attitude, a strong passion for science, and an interest in working on an international project.
- Nice to have: experience in Oncology, (statistical) data analysis or research, clinical experience in working with patients.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for an additional term of three years (total tenure of max. 4 years).
- The planned start date is 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- 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 the University Hospital Antwerp and the University of Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working 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 until a candidate has been selected. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …)
- a motivation letter (max 1 A4)
- a weblink to a video introducing yourself (max 2 minutes)
- The selection committee reviews new applications on a bi-weekly basis. 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 next steps 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. Timon Vandamme ([email protected] - promotor) or dr. Siddharth Chhajlani ([email protected] - clinical NET researcher).
Are you ready to improve the therapeutic strategy for patients with this rare form of cancer, going from the clinic to the lab and back again? Apply now and help build innovative oncological care!
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.
