About the University

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university. It provides innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conducts pioneering scientific research, and plays an important service-providing role in society.

It is one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region, with more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries. Through top scientific research, the university pushes back boundaries and helps shape the future.

Project Title

From Genome to Diagnosis: Clinical Application and Translation of Whole Genome Sequencing in Rare Disease Diagnostics

Project Overview

The Center for Medical Genetics (CMG) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Antwerp is seeking a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder to contribute to a whole genome sequencing project focused on rare disease diagnostics.

Over the past decade, next-generation sequencing has evolved from targeted gene panels to exome sequencing and now whole genome sequencing (WGS). With increasing speed, accuracy, and affordability, both short-read and long-read WGS are moving toward routine clinical diagnostics.

These technologies enable identification of genetic causes of rare diseases, including in patients who previously remained undiagnosed. However, long-read WGS introduces new challenges in bioinformatics, data analysis, and clinical interpretation.

Research Focus

As part of this PhD project, you will contribute to the clinical application and translation of whole genome sequencing in rare disease diagnostics.

You will work with short-read and long-read WGS data and develop innovative analytical approaches. Research topics include:

• Identification of pathogenic structural variants
• Detection of novel disease-causing tandem repeats
• Integration of episignatures into diagnostic algorithms
• Detection and interpretation of pathogenic non-coding variants

The goal is to contribute to faster and more accurate diagnosis of rare diseases.

Research Environment

The project is based at the Antwerp Center for Medical Genetics (CMG), embedded within the University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital.

CMG has strong expertise and infrastructure in:

• Clinical and molecular genetics
• Pathophysiological investigation of hereditary diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Large vessel diseases
• Hearing loss
• Cancer
• Bone diseases
• Intellectual disability

Key supervision team:

• Prof. Dr. Loeys
• Prof. Dr. Meuwissen
• Dr. Dale Annear
• Prof. Josephina Meester

The project has a strong focus on bioinformatics analysis of genome datasets.

Position Responsibilities

You will:

• Work on the preparation of a PhD thesis in whole genome sequencing for rare diseases
• Publish high-quality scientific articles
• Present research at national and international conferences and workshops

Candidate Profile

You should have:

• A Master’s degree (or near completion) in:Eligibility for an FWO PhD fellowship
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Bioinformatics
• Strong academic performance
• Ambition, integrity, and quality-driven mindset
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Project-Specific Skills

Required:

• Strong affinity for bioinformatics analysis OR demonstrated strong interest in the field

What We Offer

• Doctoral scholarship for 1 year
• Extension for 3 additional years upon positive evaluation and funding availability
• Planned start date: 15/09/2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
• Monthly scholarship according to standard doctoral funding scales
• Additional benefits:Access to courses and training via the Antwerp Doctoral School
  • Ecocheques
  • Bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement
• Dynamic and stimulating research environment at CMG Antwerp

Application Information

Apply via the University of Antwerp online job platform by 18 June 2026.

Required documents:

• Motivation letter
• Academic CV (including honours, grades, skills, mobility, publications, etc.)

Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed after the deadline
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed about further steps
• Final decisions will be communicated as soon as available

Contact Information

For application issues:
???? jobs@uantwerpen.be

For project-related questions:

• Prof. Dr. Bart Loeys – bart.loeys@uantwerpen.be
• Prof. Dr. Marije Meuwissen – marije.meuwissen@uantwerpen.be

Institutional Values

The University of Antwerp holds the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission.

The university emphasizes:

• Sustainability
• Family-friendly policies
• Employee development
• Diversity and inclusion
• Equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or age

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com