2025-2026 International PhD Call VIB CBD-NERF

The VIB Neuroscience groups at KU Leuven (Center for Brain & Disease Research and Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders) are recruiting enthusiastic creative ambitious and highly motivated PhD candidates to join us starting autumn 2026!

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.

Doing a PhD at our Center

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.

Requirements

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).

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.

Application

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
• Step2: Complete All Required Fields
• Step 3: Upload Required Documents

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

Applications without a specified project and supervisor will not be taken into account.

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

• Resume: Upload your CV in the designated field.
• Other Attachments:

• Cover Letter (as a separate attachment) 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
• Academic Transcripts Upload digital copies of your Bachelors and Masters certificates and transcripts if available.
• References Upload the contact details of 23 references.

Timeline

Deadline: 20th November 2025.

Interviews: We will be in touch with applicants within one month after the call closes. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the PI to whom the candidate applied.

On-Site visit: selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site visit to our Center in March/April 2026.

Offers: Final offers will be extended by the end of April.

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