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

The research group of Prof. Geldhof is recruiting a doctoral candidate for a research project on parasitic infections in the poultry sector. In recent years worm infections are re-emerging as a major challenge in laying hens, driven by changes in housing systems and limited treatment options. Sustainable control is threatened by the potential development of resistance against anthelmintics. The aim of this project is to (1) provide robust data on the current efficacy of anthelmintics in poultry, (2) deliver validated, practical diagnostic tools for field monitoring, and (3) establish evidence-based treatment thresholds to guide responsible anthelmintic usage. This project is a collaboration with ILVO. The doctoral candidate will be expected to perform high quality research, report findings by publishing research articles and presenting at conferences and meetings and collaborate with academic partners. The final objective of the research is to obtain a doctoral degree.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Veterinary Medicine, Bio-engineering or similar. 
• You have at least a “very good” command of spoken and written English and Dutch. 

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 01/09/2026 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 peter.geldhof@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 more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Peter Geldhof (peter.geldhof@ugent.be, +32(0)9/264 74 00)