Doctoral fellow

Last application date

Jul 31, 2026 23:59

Department

GE35 - Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Degree

Master’s degree in Medicine

Occupancy rate

100%

Vacancy type

Research staff

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

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 Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Department of Rheumatology, UZ Gent) offers a high-tech and stimulating environment for clinical and translational research.

YOUR TASKS

• You will conduct innovative clinical scientific research within the field of Spondyloarthritis (SpA). 
• You will be actively involved in clinical follow-up and direct patient contact within the framework of strategic early-phase trials. 
• You will analyze and process data from strategic clinical trials in Spondyloarthritis. 
• You will evaluate and implement new, advanced molecular imaging techniques. 
• You will have the unique opportunity to expand your clinical work with translational research, bridging the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice. 
• You will be responsible for data collection, statistical or laboratory-technical processing, and the critical interpretation of research results. 
• You will report results through presentations at (inter)national conferences and by writing scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. 
• The absolute final objective of this four-year research track is the successful preparation and attainment of a doctoral degree (PhD) in Medicine. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree in Medicine (MD / Medical Doctor). The diploma requirements must be met by the date of appointment. 
• You possess strong communication and empathetic skills with a view to professional and high-quality patient contact. 
• You have a strong passion for rheumatology, clinical trials, medical imaging, and the mechanisms behind translational research. 
• You have strong analytical skills and a critical, scientific mindset. 
• You can work independently, but you are also a constructive team player who communicates smoothly with patients, fellow researchers, and clinical staff. 
• You have an excellent command of English (both spoken and written) for international publications and presentations. 
• Experience with laboratory techniques (for the translational part) or statistical software is an asset, but not an absolute requirement. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• 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 01/10/2026 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 

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected] and [email protected] by July 31, 2026, at the latest.
We do not accept late applications.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Philippe Carron ([email protected], +32 (0)9/3322857)