PhD fellow in marine microbiology (biochemistry and biophysics) – Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic and vibrant European university that conducts pioneering scientific research and offers innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students. With over 6000 employees from 100 different nationalities, we provide an international working environment that contributes to tomorrow’s world. A future that you can help shaping. 

The Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology within the Department of Biology is looking for a PhD fellow in marine microbiology (biochemistry and biophysics). The candidate will join the research group of Prof. Filip Meysman, who coordinates the Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology at UAntwerpen. His research team is at the international forefront of ecology, physiology and quantum biology of microorganisms and adopts a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining state-of-the-art methods in molecular biology, electron microscopy, protein biochemistry and biophysics. See www.microbial-electricity.eu for more information about our research.

The aim of the PhD project (4 years) is to achieve a fundamental understanding of the physiology of cable bacteria, which are multicellular microorganisms capable of extraordinary electrical conduction over centimeter distances. These cable bacteria represent a unique example of quantum biology and their structures could give rise to entirely new green electronic materials. You will isolate and culture these cable bacteria and study them with start-of-the-art technique in microscopy and spectroscopy.

See https://www.science.org/content/article/metal-scaffolds-turn-bacteria-live-wires.

PhD fellow: the quantum biology of “electrical” multicellular cable bacteria

Job description

• You are highly motivated to conduct research within an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, and thus build a professional network and academic career;
• You will perform fundamental research within the domain of microbiology, contributing to nature-based solutions for novel sustainable electron materials; 
• You have experience and skills to conduct experiments rigorously and independently
• You are willing to travel and conduct research abroad in collaboration with other research teams across Europe (University College London, TU Delft, Max Planck Institute Germany, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology)
• You will publish your research results in high-level scientific journals and you love to present your results at national and international venues;

Profile

We are looking for flexible and creative collaborators, who is highly curious and motivated to tackle new questions in biology.

• You hold a MSc in Biology, Biophysics, Bio-engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline in the Natural Sciences (chemistry, physics), and have a strong interest in cross-disciplinary research and quantum biology;
• You are creative, possess excellent organisational skills and have a cooperative attitude;
• You can demonstrate excellent study results. Persons with a master thesis project related to topic are particularly encouraged to apply.
• You are an excellent team-player, and enthusiastic to learn new technologies and work in an interdisciplinary team;
• Strong communication skills in English are essential. You have excellent skills in scientific writing in English.

We offer

• a dynamic, vibrant and stimulating work environment within the Department of Biology at UAntwerpen;
• a full-time contract doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another period of two years;
• your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• you will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• a green campus environment within the vibrant port city of Antwerp (renowned for its history, fashion and food!). Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here;
• the possibility to develop your professional and soft skills in our large international network.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 23 March 2026 (midnight Brussels CET time). Click on ‘apply‘, complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s) in English: (1) a motivation letter, (2) your up-to-date academic CV.
• We will perform a pre-selection based on CV and we will invite selected candidates for an interview. The selection committee will review the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. These interviews will take place in April 2026. The planned start date is 01 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• If you have questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Filip Meysman, filip.meysman@uantwerpen.be.