The University of Antwerp is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder in the field of direct-from-sputum whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Based within the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences), the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the scientific evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge genomics workflows for the DiSrupT RR-TB trial.
Postdoctoral Scholarship: Direct-from-Sputum Whole Genome Sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at University of Antwerp
Overview & Key Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder |
| Research Area | Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Tuberculosis (TB) Transmission & Drug Resistance |
| Department | Department of Family Medicine and Population Health |
| Host Institution | University of Antwerp, Belgium |
| Location | Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium (with activities linked to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), 24-month fixed contract |
| Planned Start Date | January 4, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 (Midnight Brussels Time) |
Project Summary & Job Description
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to the implementation and scientific evaluation of direct-from-sputum whole-genome sequencing within the DiSrupT RR-TB trial. This clinical trial evaluates a multi-component intervention to reduce the transmission of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. The core intervention combines the QIAseq xHYB Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay directly from sputum with culture-based whole-genome sequencing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Protocol & Workflow Development: Support the development and implementation of the hybrid sequencing workflow at the clinical sequencing facility in KZN, South Africa, including developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Capacity Building: Train laboratory staff members at the KZN facility in optimal sequencing workflows and ensure high-quality genomic data suitable for drug-resistance and transmission analyses.
- Quality Monitoring: Oversee quality assurance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize sequencing procedures as required.
- Bioinformatics & Data Analysis: Conduct bioinformatic analysis of whole-genome sequencing data to perform drug-resistance inference and transmission tracking.
- Dissemination & Publication: Write and publish research papers in high-impact international journals and present findings at conferences.
- Academic Support: Assist in the supervision of PhD students and support research management tasks within the TORCH Consortium.
- Grant Acquisition: Compete for internal and external funding opportunities to expand the scope and impact of the study.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: Hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
- Mobility Requirement: You must not have resided or carried out your primary activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the start date.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Must-Have Skills:
- Hands-on wet-lab experience with whole genome sequencing processes for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Demonstrated experience in bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including genetic variants relevant to drug resistance.
- Direct experience handling next-generation sequencing directly on clinical specimens.
- Demonstrated capacity building and skills transfer experience in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) research settings.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Experience in phylogenetic analysis to evaluate transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Previous experience with capacity-building projects in African countries.
What We Offer
- A full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a duration of 24 months.
- Competitive monthly scholarship amount determined in accordance with the Flemish university pay scales for Contract Research Staff (BAP).
- Additional benefits including ecocheques, internet connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
- A vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary research environment at Campus Drie Eiken.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the University of Antwerp’s job portal. Make sure to prepare and attach the following required documents:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A detailed Motivation Letter outlining your suitability and relevant research experience.
For inquiries regarding the application process, contact jobs@uantwerpen.be. For project-specific and academic questions, please contact Vincent Rennie at vincent.rennie@uantwerpen.be.
Application Deadline
October 1, 2026 (23:59 CET / Brussels Time).
Click Here to Apply Online at University of Antwerp
