PhD Position

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB); Belgique; Sur place; EUR 26 000 - 31 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Homeworking options

Telework allowance

Internet fee support

Work-life balance

35 days leave

Hospitalisation insurance

Commuting reimbursement

Campus restaurant discounts

Sport facilities

Benefits@Work discounts

Ecocheques

Nursery nearby

Résumé du poste

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers a full-time PhD-scholarship starting mid-November 2026 from Brussels Health Campus (Jette). You will join the Center for Medical Genetics to develop genomic diagnostic technologies and pursue doctoral research in a collaborative, international setting.

The position requires a MSc in a related field, strong programming skills in R/Python, and interest in large-scale genomics. Benefits include extensive homeworking and a multi-faceted support package.

Qualifications

• MSc (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, CS, Engineering or related field.
• Interest in large-scale genomic data analysis demonstrated by projects or thesis.
• Programming skills in R or Python; experience with genome analysis and HPC environments.

Responsabilités

• Develop cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos.
• Work with Center for Medical Genetics and Brussels Health Campus on project tasks.
• Prepare and contribute to doctoral research activities and training.

Connaissances

MSc in Bioinformatics or related

Genomic data analysis

R or Python programming

Independent work

Genome analysis experience

Statistics / ML concepts

Linux / HPC familiarity

Formation

MSc (or equivalent) in relevant field

Outils

R

Python

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Biological sciences » Other Computer science » Other Medical sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 15 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike.

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located.

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again.

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

TheFaculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie, Department Observerende Klinische wetenschappen, Research Group No Large Research Groupis looking for a PhD-student with a doctoral grant.

More concretely your work package, for the preparation of a doctorate, contains:

The Center for Medical Genetics is one of the eight accredited Centers for Human Genetics in Belgium. This center provides genetic counseling, performs genomic diagnostics, and conducts scientific research. The Center for Medical Genetics has developed specific expertise in reproductive genetics and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and plays a leading role in these fields on a global scale. By optimizing new methods using the latest sequencing technologies we aim to improve patient care and stay at the forefront in the PGT-field.

We are looking for a curious, self-driven PhD candidate who wants to develop cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in early IVF embryos.

For this function, ourBrussels Health Campus (Jette)will serve as your home base.

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• MSc (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (degree completed by the start date).
• Proven interest in large-scale genomic data analysis (course projects, internship, or thesis count)

Programming skills in R or Python.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team; good written and spoken English.

Hands-on experience with genome analysis.

Background in statistics, machine learning, or data visualisation.

Familiarity with Linux and high-performance computing environments.

• You have not performed any works in the execution of a mandate as an assistant, paid from operating resources, over a total (cumulated) period of more than 12 months.
• As a (non-)EEA national, meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with the VUB residence requirements. More info here .

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

You’ll be offered a full-time PhD-scholarship, for12 months (extendable up to max. 48 months, on condition of the positive evaluation of the PhD activities), with planned starting date15/11/2026.

You’ll receive a grant linked to one of the scales set by the government.

IMPORTANT: The effective result of the doctorate scholarship is subject to the condition precedent of your enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.

As well as this, you will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave(based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike;
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques;
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps;
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?