The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Observational Clinical Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), is inviting applications for a full-time PhD position. This fully funded doctoral scholarship is hosted at the world-renowned Center for Medical Genetics, a pioneering institution in reproductive genetics and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT).
The successful candidate will work on developing cutting-edge bioinformatics technologies and genomic analysis methods to improve the diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in early IVF embryos, contributing directly to state-of-the-art patient care and global research innovation.
Designation
PhD Student (Doctoral Grant Researcher)
Key Information Table
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium |
|---|---|
| Department | Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Observational Clinical Sciences |
| Research Area | Reproductive Genetics, Bioinformatics, Embryo Diagnostics (IVF/PGT) | Location | Brussels Health Campus (Jette), Belgium |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 48 months) |
| Start Date | November 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Official Apply Link | VUB Application Portal |
Research Area
The PhD project is situated within the Center for Medical Genetics, which is one of Belgium’s eight accredited human genetics centers. The center holds a global leadership position in reproductive genetics and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT).
The research focus of this PhD project is the development and optimization of novel methods utilizing the latest high-throughput sequencing technologies. The ultimate goal is to pioneer cutting-edge diagnostic tools for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in early-stage IVF embryos, enhancing both the precision of reproductive diagnostics and clinical patient outcomes.
Location
The primary research activities and workplace will be at the Brussels Health Campus in Jette, Belgium.
Eligibility & Qualification
Candidates must meet the following academic and technical criteria:
- Education: Must hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline (degree must be completed by the start date).
- Technical Skills: Strong programming proficiency in R or Python, and familiarity with Linux and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- Experience: Hands-on experience with genomic data analysis and a solid foundation in statistics, machine learning, or data visualization. Proven interest in large-scale genomic projects (via previous coursework, internship, or thesis) is highly valued.
- Soft Skills: Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, international team. Excellent written and spoken English language skills.
- Funding Conditions: Must not have worked as a paid assistant funded by operating resources at VUB for a cumulative period exceeding 12 months.
- Nationality & Residence: Open to both EEA and non-EEA nationals. International applicants must meet the necessary visa and residence requirements for Belgium.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The selected candidate will receive a full-time PhD scholarship initially for 12 months, which is extendable up to a maximum of 448 months (4 years total) pending a positive annual evaluation of research activities. The grant is aligned with the official university salary scales set by the Belgian government.
VUB offers a highly competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 35 days plus campus closure between Christmas and New Year.
- Flexible hybrid working options with a telework allowance of €50/month or internet fee of €20/month.
- Free comprehensive hospitalisation insurance.
- Fully reimbursed public transport commuting costs and/or bicycle allowances.
- On-campus benefits including high-quality, subsidized campus restaurants, excellent sports facilities, ecocheques, and nursery services near the campus.
- Continuous learning opportunities through dedicated training courses and VUB platforms.
Note: The continuation of the scholarship is subject to the official enrolment as a doctoral student at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application online through the VUB Job Portal. Please prepare and upload the following documents:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A detailed motivation letter.
- Copies of your academic diplomas (not required for VUB alumni).
For specific questions regarding the research project and job content, you may directly contact Pieter Verdyck via email at pieter.verdyck@uzbrussel.be or call +32 24749038.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2026.
Apply Link
To submit your application officially, please visit the VUB recruitment site: Apply for VUB PhD Position.
