PhD position in molecular neuroimaging focused on the preclinical validation of PET tracers targeting cortical biomarkers relevant to Huntington’s disease

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The Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Antwerp is seeking to fill the following full-time (100 %) vacancy:

PhD position in molecular neuroimaging focused on the preclinical validation of PET tracers targeting cortical biomarkers relevant to Huntington’s disease.

We are seeking a motivated doctoral candidate to investigate the use of multiple positron emission tomography (PET) tracers as cortical biomarkers relevant to Huntington’s disease (HD) in a translational mouse model. The selected candidate will validate these tracers in mice and apply them in longitudinal studies to track disease progression over time. These PET biomarkers are currently being explored in clinical studies. By taking advantage of both high-throughput preclinical studies and the rapid disease progression in mice, this project will generate complementary data to strengthen interpretation of the ongoing clinical studies. Validating these PET tracers in mice will also provide a foundation for evaluating therapies and monitoring treatment effects.

Job description

• Conduct innovative research in neurosciences, focusing on the validation and application of novel PET radiotracers as biomarkers to assess disease progression and therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of Huntington’s disease.
• Contribute to the reporting and dissemination of the research findings including (inter)national scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications
• Prepare and defend a doctoral thesis in the field of Medical Sciences
• Prepare and submit applications for competitive personal research fellowships (e.g. FWO), with up to two submission opportunities during the PhD trajectory

Profile and requirements

• Master’s degree in (Bio)Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biology, (Biomedical) Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in preclinical neuroimaging and translational neuroscience research
• You have a FELASA B/C attest for animal research or are willing to obtain one.
• You are comfortable balancing experimental work with computational and quantitative data analysis
• Capable of working independently and efficiently, with a pragmatic, creative, and solution-oriented mindset, while managing deadlines effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong team player who thrives in a collaborative and international research environment
• Experience with animal models and/or neuroimaging techniques is considered an asset
• Excellent academic performance and research achievements are considered an advantage

We offer

• A full-time 4-year PhD position (with evaluations ad interim);
• The planned start date is 01/10/2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will receive a competitive monthly salary in line with the standard remuneration for doctoral researchers
• A dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international work environment with a state-of-the-art research infrastructure; located at Campus Drie Eiken
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through theAntwerp Doctoral School.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 8th, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check thefrequently asked questions or send an email to < email deleted for security reasons >. For questions about the profile and job description, please contact Prof. Dr. Steven Staelens (< email deleted for security reasons >).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.