The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in the Department of Observational Clinical Sciences. Located at the Brussels Health Campus in Jette, this position is ideal for driven researchers looking to develop cutting-edge technologies for diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities in early IVF embryos.
The successful candidate will join the prestigious Center for Medical Genetics, a global leader in reproductive genetics and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This research group focuses on optimizing new genomic diagnostics and sequencing technologies to significantly improve patient care.
Fully Funded PhD Position in Bioinformatics & Reproductive Genetics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
Scholarship Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Candidate (Doctoral Grant Holder) |
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Research Area | Bioinformatics, Reproductive Genetics, Genomic Data Analysis |
| Location | Brussels Health Campus (Jette), Belgium |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 48 months based on positive evaluation) |
| Start Date | November 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Apply Link | Apply Online via VUB Portal |
Designation
The position is for a PhD Student with a Doctoral Grant. The candidate will work closely within a multidisciplinary team at the Center for Medical Genetics to prepare and complete a doctoral dissertation.
Research Area
The research focuses on the intersection of Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Reproductive Genetics. The selected candidate will help develop advanced technologies to identify chromosomal abnormalities in early-stage IVF embryos. Using high-throughput sequencing data, the project aims to push the boundaries of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and improve clinical reproductive outcomes.
Location
The primary working location is the Brussels Health Campus (Jette), home to VUB’s Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and the UZ Brussel university hospital. This location provides a vibrant, international research hub in the heart of Europe.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following profile requirements to be considered for this doctoral position:
- Academic Degree: Must hold an MSc (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field (the degree must be completed by the start date).
- Technical Skills: Proven proficiency in programming using R or Python, and familiarity with Linux and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- Domain Knowledge: Demonstrated interest in large-scale genomic data analysis (evidenced by course projects, internships, or thesis work) and a background in statistics, machine learning, or data visualization.
- Soft Skills: Strong ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a highly multidisciplinary environment, alongside excellent written and spoken English.
- Funding Constraints: Candidates must not have previously worked as a paid assistant funded by operating resources for a cumulative period of more than 12 months.
- Nationality: Open to both EEA and non-EEA nationals, provided they meet VUB’s residence and work permit requirements.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
VUB offers an attractive, comprehensive funding package designed to support researchers both academically and personally:
- Contract Duration: Full-time scholarship for an initial 12 months, extendable up to a maximum of 4 years (48 months) subject to positive annual evaluations.
- Work-Life Balance: Outstanding holiday arrangements featuring 35 days of annual leave (for full-time contracts), additional closure days between Christmas and New Year, and 3 extra university holidays.
- Remote Work Support: Broad teleworking options with a monthly home-working allowance of €50 or an internet allowance of €20.
- Commuter Benefits: 100% reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, or specialized bicycle allowances.
- Health & Family: Complimentary hospitalization insurance, an on-campus nursery, and discounted holiday camps for children.
- Campus Life: Access to affordable, high-quality on-campus restaurants, extensive sports facilities, and retail discounts via the Benefits@Work platform.
How to Apply
To apply for this PhD position, candidates must submit their application online through the VUB careers portal. Please prepare and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A detailed motivation letter detailing your interest in reproductive genetics and bioinformatics.
- Copies of your academic diplomas and transcripts (not required for VUB alumni).
For specific inquiries regarding the research project and job content, you can contact Pieter Verdyck via email at pieter.verdyck@uzbrussel.be or by phone at +32 24749038.
Last Date for Apply
The final deadline to submit your complete application is October 15, 2026.
