Doctoral fellow

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.

YOUR TASKS

• You will conduct scientific research with the final aim of obtaining a PhD degree within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. This research will be carried out within the research group of the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Prof. Ruth De Bruyne) and the Hepatology Research Unit (Dr. Sander Lefere), both part of the Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics. 
• Your research will focus on the validation of non-invasive diagnostic tools for the diagnosis and risk stratification of liver disease in children with obesity. To this end, you will prospectively recruit patients within paediatric departments, perform non-invasive liver assessments, systematically collect and analyse clinical data, and report research findings. You will also guide patients during liver MRI examinations and contribute to the analysis of imaging results. 
• You will collaborate with several researchers within and outside the department, including close cooperation with a study nurse responsible for patient recruitment, and with paediatric departments in non-academic hospitals in West and East Flanders. 
• You will supervise Master’s level students in the context of their Master’s thesis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree in Medicine. 
• You have a strong interest in paediatrics and/or hepatology. 
• You achieved good academic results during your Master’s studies. 
• You have a genuine passion for scientific research. 
• You have an independent, problem-solving, well-organised and result-oriented mindset. 
• You possess strong didactic and communication skills. 
• You communicate fluently in both Dutch and English. 
• You function well both independently and as part of a team. 
• Knowledge of Dutch is a plus, since you will be interacting with patients. 
• Preferably, you hold a category B driving licence.

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. 
• The planned starting date is 01/08/2026 or 01/09/2026. 
• 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 sander.lefere@ugent.be. 

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 further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Dr. Sander Lefere (sander.lefere@ugent.be) or Prof. Ruth De Bruyne (ruth.debruyne@uzgent.be). Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview.