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 master’s 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.
  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 https://cbd.sites.vib.be/en/phdcall2026
  Applications without a specified project and supervisor will not be taken into account.

• Step2: Complete All Required Fields
  Fill out the remaining fields in the application form according to the provided instructions.

• Step 3: Upload Required Documents

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

1. Cover Letter (as a separate attachment) Your letter should include:
   • A clear reference to the PhD project you're 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:
       • 1–2 favorite publications
       • A brief explanation of why you chose them
2. Academic Transcripts Upload digital copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and transcripts, if available.
3. References Upload the contact details of 2–3 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 hr.cbd@kuleuven.be or visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information.