2026-2027 International PhD Call VIB CNL

Application deadline: October 30 2026

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is recruiting enthusiastic creative ambitious and highly motivated PhD candidates to join us starting between May (at the earliest) and September 2027!

Our different research groups explore how the brain and nervous system develops ages and functions in health and disease in particular neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions by bridging disciplines from artificial intelligence microelectronics neuroengineering and nanoscience to single-cell imaging and molecular analysis functional genomics and cell biology in human and animal models.

Embedded within both VIB and KU Leuven we offer a unique PhD experience with access to state-of-the-art facilities expertise and training. PhD students will have the opportunity to work together with internationally recognized scientists and develop their research projects in an innovative research environment. We also have a PhD Association which organizes social activities networking and upskilling events and an annual PhD Symposium.

Curious to know more Learn all about what it means to start a PhD at VIB in our PhD Guidebook written for aspiring and starting researchers.

To be considered for a PhD position you must meet the following requirements:

• Appropriate masters or equivalent higher education degree
• Distinction (cum laude) based on your study results or professional realizations;
• Proficiency in oral and written English in accordance with the criteria of KU Leuven (more information available here).
• A recently obtained Masters degree is considered an asset. Candidates who are still completing their Masters degree are also welcome to apply provided they obtain the degree before the start of the position as this may facilitate eligibility for certain competitive funding opportunities.

Relevant experience (e.g. molecular biology cellular physiology neuroscience animal behavior computational methods etc.) is a plus. Candidates from non-neuroscience fields but with a keen interest in understanding the brain (e.g. physics artificial intelligence engineering humanities and medical training) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that this is an international call. Local candidates should contact PIs directly independent of the program.

To ensure your application is considered please follow the instructions below carefully. Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be reviewed.

Step 1: Motivation Field

In the motivation section of the application form please enter only the name of the PhD project and the supervisor you wish to apply for.
You can find the list of available projects here PhD Call webpage.
Applications without a specified project and supervisor will not be taken into account.
If you would like to apply for more than one project please list all projects you wish to be considered for in this field.

Step 2: Complete All Required Fields

Fill out the remaining fields in the online application form ( according to the provided instructions.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Resume: Upload your CV in the designated field.
• In the Other Attachments field please upload the following documents as separate attachments:

1. Cover Letter (to be uploaded as a separate attachment). If you are applying for multiple projects please submit a separate cover letter for each project. Your letter should include:

• A clear reference to the PhD project youre applying for (see available projects here).
• Answers to the following questions:
  • What are your research experiences Please specify:
    • Duration (in months)
    • Technical knowledge gained
  • What are your scientific interests Please include:
    • 12 favorite publications
    • A brief explanation of why you chose them

2. Academic Transcripts
Upload digital copies of your Bachelors and Masters certificates and transcripts if available.

3. References
Upload the contact details of 23 references.

Application deadline: 30th October 2026.

Interviews: We will be in touch with applicants within one to two months after the call closes. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project for which they applied.

On-site visit: Selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site visit to our Center in March 2027.

Offers: Final offers will be made to selected candidates from the end of April at the earliest. A later timeline may apply depending on the completion of the evaluation and selection process by the Principal Investigator (PI).

For application inquiries please contact or visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information.

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