PhD Scholarship: Development of New (Allosteric) Ligands at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium

Summary

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a full-time PhD scholarship for a doctoral candidate to work on the development of new (allosteric) ligands that can bind to membrane-bound proteins/channels and test their therapeutic potential. This position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene, Belgium, and is part of the Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Department of Chemistry.

Designation

PhD Student with a Doctoral Grant

Key Details

Research Area

The research focuses on the development of new (allosteric) ligands for membrane-bound proteins/channels. This includes the design and synthesis of bioactive, peptide-based ligands, synthesis of customized amino acids, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their therapeutic potential.

Location

Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene), Belgium

Eligibility/Qualification

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in science, (bio)medical sciences, or an equivalent course of study.
• Experience in experimental research.
• A good command of English, both spoken and written.
• Dynamic and flexible approach to work, with the ability to work across two research groups and an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills.
• Must not have performed works as an assistant, paid from operating resources, for a total cumulative period of more than 12 months.
• (Non-)EEA nationals must meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with VUB residence requirements.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Experience in supervising students.

Scholarship Description

The successful candidate will undertake research for the preparation of a doctorate, focusing on the development and evaluation of new (allosteric) ligands. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and synthesizing bioactive, peptide-based ligands, including customized amino acids.
• Participating in discussions regarding molecular design and optimization.
• Conducting in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic potential of synthesized molecules.
• Contributing to the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

The scholarship is full-time for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to 48 months based on positive evaluation. The grant is linked to government scales. The effective result of the scholarship is conditional on enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.

Benefits of working at VUB:

• Open, involved, and diverse workplace with career development opportunities.
• Extensive homeworking options with a telework allowance (50 euros/month) or internet fee (20 euros/month).
• Open and informal working environment with focus on work-life balance.
• Exceptional holiday arrangements: 35 days of leave (full-time), closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 extra leave days.
• Cost-free hospitalization insurance.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commute and/or compensation for bike usage.
• Access to campus restaurants with attractive prices.
• Excellent and affordable sport and exercise facilities, various discounts via Benefits@Work, and Ecocheques.
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through VUB learning platforms and training courses.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online by uploading the required documents via the VUB job portal.

Required Application Documents:

• Your CV
• Your motivation letter
• Your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni)

The application process typically involves an initial selection based on the application file, followed by a job interview.

Last Date for Apply

November 15, 2026

Apply Link

Apply via jobs.vub.be