Doctoral fellow

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

The research group of prof. Bert Devriendt focuses on gut immunology and host-pathogen interactions at the intestinal surface. Our main interest is in pathogenic E. coli and the development of novel therapies to control these pathogens. In that context, we are looking for a motivated candidate to further develop our smart lactoferrin strategy and obtain a doctoral degree.
Antibiotics has saved millions of lives. However, the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance endangers our ability to treat infectious diseases. Alternative therapies are much needed and host defense proteins might offer a solution. Our group has shown that the host defensin protein lactoferrin prevents growth and virulence of pathogenic E. coli. Using recombinant protein engineering, gut organoids, and animal models, you will perform research to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of this host defense protein and advance the development of novel efficacious antimicrobials in a vibrant and international research environment.

• You hold a master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine.
• You have a strong interest in protein engineering. Hands-on experience is a plus.
• You have a strong interest in infectious bacterial diseases.
• You're interested in academic research.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of Dutch is an asset but not a must.
• you have excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and in different research areas.
• You are outcome focused and have hands-on mentality.
• You are eligible and willing to apply for scholarships.

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/04/2026 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

Send your CV, copy of your diploma and a motivation letter to Professor Bert Devriendt (b.devriendt@ugent.be ) before the 28th of February 2026.

We advise to submit your application as soon as possible, as a decision may be taken before the deadline. After an initial screening and selection based on CV and motivation letter, interviews will take place.

We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Bert Devriendt.