Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The Department of Veterinary Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences has the following full-time (100%) vacancy:
principal research fellow in the field of perinatal development
Position
As a principal research fellow, you will be part of the Academic Assistant Staff (Dutch: Assisterend Academisch Personeel, AAP). You will spend at least 50% of your working time on academic research. In addition, you will actively contribute to education and service activities.
Research
- You will carry out high-quality academic research in perinatal development. You will investigate mechanisms that impact the development before, during and shortly after birth.
- You will develop new research projects according to the strategic plan of the CoPeD research group.
- You will report on the results of your research and produce academic publications.
- You will assist in the coordination of ongoing research projects and the activities of the research group.
- You will contribute to attracting national and international research funding.
- You will supervise PhD students in the preparation of their PhD theses.
Education
- You will provide support with teaching and also teach high-quality academic classes yourself. You will teach and assist in, for example, the courses “Laboratory Animal Science” and “General surgery.”
- You will contribute to the development of teaching and study materials, teaching methods, evaluations of different courses.
- You will supervise students and their Bachelor and Master dissertations.
- Your teaching role will evolve along with the study programmes.
Services
- You will play an active role in the academic and societal service provision of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. You will also assist in student recruitment and alumni activities and serve on boards and committees, among other activities.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree and PhD in Life Sciences, preferably Veterinary Sciences, or you will have obtained your PhD by the time you start work.
- You have experience with animal experimental research (preferably also with surgery and anaesthesia), and you are familiar with alternatives to animal testing. You can prove this scientific publications.
- You have a Certificate of Laboratory Animal Sciences valid in the EU, or you are prepared to obtain such a certificate as soon as possible.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You have relevant research experience in the field of perinatal development.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision. Relevant teaching experience in the field of veterinary sciences would be an advantage.
- If you do not speak Dutch, the administrative language of the university, you should be willing to obtain a CEFR B2 level of proficiency in Dutch. As soon as you take on teaching duties as a programme component coordinator, you should be able to demonstrate a CEFR C1 level of proficiency in the language of instruction. The University of Antwerp supports international staff members through an integration trajectory and offers tailor-made language coaching in compliance with Flanders’ statutory language regulations.
- You are able to carry out your work and achieve your objectives with a high degree of independence.
- You are motivated to work actively on your further professional development. In this, you can make use of a wide range of training courses and professionalisation opportunities.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
What we offer
- We offer an appointment as a principal research fellow for a period of three years. Following a positive evaluation, the appointment can be renewed once.
- Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow (Academic Assistant Staff, AAP).
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- The planned start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Click here to find out more about working at the University of Antwerp and the related benefits.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 6 July 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV
- a research plan, illustrating how your research interest fits with the domain of perinatal development (max. 5 pages) and which research methods you would apply to achieve your objectives
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, contact dr. Steven Van Cruchten ([email protected]) and prof. dr. Chris Van Ginneken ([email protected]).
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.
