Postdoctoral Fellow in Pediatrics

Department GE35 – Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Ghent University

Position Overview

Ghent University is offering a full-time doctoral fellow position (PhD) within the field of paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology, focusing on non-invasive diagnostic tools for liver disease in children with obesity.

• Occupancy rate: 100%
• Vacancy type: Research staff
• Degree required: Master in Medicine
• Application deadline: 15 June 2026, 23:59
• Start date: 01/08/2026 or 01/09/2026

Research Context

This PhD project is embedded in:

• Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Prof. Ruth De Bruyne)
• Hepatology Research Unit (Dr. Sander Lefere)

The research focuses on improving diagnosis and risk stratification of paediatric liver disease in obesity using non-invasive methods.

Your Tasks

You will:

• Conduct scientific research toward a PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences
• Recruit paediatric patients in clinical settings
• Perform non-invasive liver assessments
• Collect and analyse clinical datasets
• Support and guide patients during liver MRI examinations
• Contribute to imaging data analysis
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and external hospitals in West and East Flanders
• Work closely with a study nurse responsible for patient recruitment
• Supervise Master’s thesis students
• Publish and disseminate research findings

What We Are Looking For

• Master’s degree in Medicine
• Strong interest in paediatrics and/or hepatology
• Good academic performance during Master’s studies
• Strong motivation for scientific research
• Independent, structured, and problem-solving mindset
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Fluency in English and Dutch (Dutch is important for patient interaction)
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Category B driving licence preferred

What We Offer

• Full-time doctoral fellowship (12-month initial contract, extendable up to 48 months after positive evaluation)
• Start date: August or September 2026
• Net fellowship equivalent to AAP salary (tax-free under conditions)

Benefits include:

• 36 days of annual leave + bridge days
• Bicycle allowance
• Eco vouchers
• Training and development opportunities
• Broad academic and clinical research environment

Application Process

Send application to:

???? sander.lefere@ugent.be

Required documents:

• CV
• Copy of diploma (if available)
• Motivation letter

Late applications are not accepted.

Contact

• Dr. Sander Lefere – sander.lefere@ugent.be
• Prof. Ruth De Bruyne – ruth.debruyne@uzgent.be

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com