PhD Position in Food Allergy, Gut-Brain Axis & Inflammation in Brain Disorders

Job title:

PhD Position in Food Allergy, Gut-Brain Axis & Inflammation in Brain Disorders

Company

VIB

Job description

Project summary
Growing evidence suggests that allergic immune responses in the gut can influence the brain, but how these signals are transmitted and whether they contribute to brain disorders remains unclear. This project explores how food allergy during early life alters the gut microbiota, reprograms immune cells, and promotes their trafficking to the brain, ultimately triggering neuroinflammation. The PhD student will help uncover the molecular and cellular pathways linking the allergic gut to the inflamed brain, and how these pathways shape disease risk later in life.
The successful candidate will work closely with experts in food allergy, neuroimmunology, gut physiology, and computational biology to characterize immune cell responses, construct spatial maps of inflammation along the gut-brain axis, and identify immune-mediated drivers of brain dysfunction.Position
The Computational Neurobiology group [https://malyshevalab.sites.vib.be/] (Dr. Valeriya Malysheva), Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Lab [https://deschepperlab.sites.vib.be/en#/] (Dr. Seppe De Schepper) at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, and the incoming lab of Dr. Javier Aguilera Lizarraga at the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (IN, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Spain), are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary project investigating how food allergy affects gut-brain communication and contributes to brain inflammation.Profile
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic candidate with:
A Master’s degree in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related disciplinesFELASA certificationIdeally, prior experience in bioinformatics and computational biologyStrong interest in immune-brain interactions and food allergy-related immunologyExcellent communication skills and fluency in EnglishA collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment
Offer
The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 8 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding the genetic etiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientist from across the world.
A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two-year period.
The applicant is expected to apply for their own fellowship, and will be fully supported during the process
Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level, both in Belgium and Spain
Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skillset
A stimulating and international research environment
A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators
Primarily based at the VIB-UAntwerp with collaborative visits to the IN
Joint supervision by multidisciplinary teams at VIB-UAntwerp (Antwerp, BE) and the IN (Alicante, ES)
Opportunities for advanced training, international mobility, and scientific exchange
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
Starting date: September 2025How to apply?
You can apply for this job through the online VIB job application platform.
Don’t forget to include the following document(s):
a detailed CV incl. a list of previous experiencea letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in our work and in this PhD position in particularhighlight 2-3 most recent publications, which defined your interest in the proposed research topicthe names and contact details of 2 refereesFor more information: please contact valeriya.malysheva@vib.be [mailto:valeriya.malysheva@vib.be] or Sebastiaan.DeSchepper@vib.be [mailto:Sebastiaan.DeSchepper@vib.be]

Expected salary

Location

Antwerpen

Job date

Fri, 16 May 2025 22:30:11 GMT

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