Summary
The Department of Family Medicine and Population Health at the University of Antwerp is seeking a full-time (100%) Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder for a 24-month appointment starting January 4, 2027. The selected researcher will contribute to the DiSrupT RR-TB trial, focusing on the scientific evaluation and implementation of direct-from-sputum whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The role bridges wet-lab protocol establishment, bioinformatic data analysis, capacity building, and training at a partner sequencing facility in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa.
Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder – Direct-from-Sputum Whole Genome Sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder (Contract Research Staff / BAP) |
| Institution | University of Antwerp (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) |
| Department | Family Medicine and Population Health |
| Job ID | 4531 |
| Location | Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium (with field collaboration in KZN, South Africa) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), Temporary (24 months) |
| Planned Start Date | January 4, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 (midnight Brussels time) |
Designation
Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder
Research Area
Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Tuberculosis (TB) Epidemiology, and Public Health
Location
Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (with project-related activities and capacity-building linked to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa).
Eligibility & Qualifications
General Profile
- PhD degree in a relevant discipline (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related field).
- Mobility Rule: Must not have resided or carried out primary activity in Belgium for at least 12 months in the 3 years preceding the start date.
- Strong written and oral proficiency in English.
- Strong scientific communication, teamwork, and independent research capabilities.
Must-Have Qualifications
- Proven experience with wet-lab processes of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) specifically for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches conducted directly on clinical specimens (sputum).
- Experience in bioinformatic analysis of M. tuberculosis NGS data, including the identification and interpretation of genetic variants associated with drug resistance.
- Demonstrated experience in capacity building and skill transfer in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) research settings.
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Experience with phylogenetic analysis to infer M. tuberculosis transmission dynamics.
- Experience with laboratory capacity building specifically within African research contexts.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Protocol & Workflow Implementation: Support the development, optimization, and standardization (SOP development) of a hybrid sequencing workflow (combining QIAseq xHYB direct-from-sputum and culture-based WGS) at the clinical sequencing facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Capacity Building & Quality Assurance: Train local laboratory staff in KZN on optimal sequencing workflows, monitor data quality, troubleshoot laboratory procedures, and ensure generated data meets rigorous standards for resistance and transmission modeling.
- Bioinformatic Analysis: Analyze and interpret high-throughput genomic data for both drug-resistance detection and transmission dynamics.
- Dissemination & Scientific Output: Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications, present findings at international conferences, and translate research into actionable public health insights.
- Mentorship & Grants: Assist in supervising PhD candidates, seek complementary postdoctoral research funding, and assist with research management within the TORCH Consortium.
What is Offered:
- A 24-month full-time postdoctoral scholarship under the BAP pay scale.
- Ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and complete reimbursement of public transport commuting costs or a bicycle allowance.
- Training and professional development opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment.
How to Apply
- Visit the University of Antwerp online job portal (Job ID: 4531).
- Click Apply and complete the online application form.
- Attach the following required documents:
- Detailed Academic CV
- Motivation Letter
For questions about the application platform, email: jobs@uantwerpen.be
For questions regarding the position/project, contact: Vincent Rennie (vincent.rennie@uantwerpen.be)
Last Date for Apply
October 1, 2026 (by 23:59 / midnight Brussels Time)
