Irina Spacova

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in applied microbiology and biotechnology within the Department of Bioscience Engineering, Faculty of Science. The project is embedded in the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (LAMB) and connects with research themes such as human microbiome, urban health, probiotics and live biotherapeutics, fermented foods, women’s and children’s health, microbiomes of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, genetic engineering of microorganisms, mucosal immunology, bacteriophages, and bioremediation. The department welcomes candidates with either a laboratory background or a bioinformatics background. The doctoral researcher will prepare and defend a PhD thesis, develop a research plan and methods with the supervisor(s), publish scientific articles, present at conferences, support ongoing research projects, and carry out a limited amount of teaching and service tasks. The successful candidate is expected to actively seek internal or external predoctoral funding, including possibilities such as FWO PhD fellowships. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in bioscience engineering or a related engineering/science discipline, or a master’s degree aligned with the department’s research lines. Candidates finishing their master’s degree before the scholarship starts may also apply. Excellent study results are expected, along with fluent English communication and strong motivation, integrity, creativity, quality, and cooperation. The supervisors named in the posting are Prof. Sarah Lebeer , Prof. Irina Spacova , and Prof. Dieter Vandenheuvel . Questions about the job itself can be directed to sarah.lebeer@uantwerpen.be ; general application questions can be sent to jobs@uantwerpen.be . The scholarship starts on 15 November 2026 and is offered for one year , with monthly funding according to the university’s BAP pay scales. Additional benefits include access to the Antwerp Doctoral School, ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and commuting support. Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp online application platform by 13 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time. Required attachments are a motivation letter, academic CV, and a signed statement confirming willingness to actively compete for additional research funding. Interviews are planned for 16 September 2026 .