PhD – Nanobody Development for GPRC5B VUB / Amsterdam UMC, Belgium
Job Description
Organization: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Research Group: Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH)
Consortium: POLARIS Doctoral Network
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Position: MSCA-DN PhD Position in Nanobody Development for GPRC5B
Project Overview
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is recruiting a PhD candidate to join the Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH) research group and the international POLARIS doctoral network.
The project focuses on the development of nanobodies targeting GPRC5B for potential applications as research tools, diagnostic tracers and therapeutics. The research will cover the complete development pathway, from nanobody discovery and engineering through to preclinical characterisation.
The project will use immune and synthetic nanobody libraries as well as AI-generated candidates. Generated nanobodies will be characterised using in vitro and in vivo approaches, including assessment of affinity, specificity, stability, modulatory effects and biodistribution.
Through the POLARIS network, the PhD candidate will also gain experience in AI-generated GPRC5B-targeting nanobodies and in investigating the functional effects of nanobodies on GPRC5B signalling.
Key Responsibilities
- Select GPRC5B-targeting nanobodies from immune and synthetic nanobody libraries.
- Evaluate and characterise AI-generated GPRC5B-targeting nanobody candidates.
- Characterise generated nanobodies in vitro and in vivo.
- Assess nanobody affinity, specificity, stability and modulatory effects.
- Investigate the biodistribution of nanobodies in in vivo models.
- Study the functional effects of generated nanobodies on GPRC5B signalling.
- Contribute to the development of nanobodies for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
- Participate in planned research secondments at POLARIS partner organisations.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners across the POLARIS doctoral network.
- Contribute to scientific reporting, research publications and dissemination activities.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Life Sciences, preferably Molecular Sciences.
- Background in molecular biology.
- Experience with nanobody or related biopharmaceutical research, such as nanobody development and characterisation, and/or GPCR biology and signalling.
- Practical wet-lab research experience.
- Experience writing research reports.
- Strong interest in targeted biopharmaceuticals, nanobody development and engineering, GPCR biology and translational research.
- Strong analytical skills and an accurate, reproducible approach to research.
- Ability to critically evaluate experimental results and determine appropriate next steps.
- Good communication, organisational and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with animal experiments.
- Experience in nanobody or single-domain antibody development.
- Experience with GPCR biology or signalling.
- Interest in AI-assisted biopharmaceutical discovery.
- Experience with translational or preclinical research.
The position also requires willingness to travel for research activities and planned secondments within the POLARIS network.
MSCA Eligibility
This is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network position and therefore subject to the applicable MSCA eligibility requirements.
Applicants should carefully check the official vacancy and POLARIS documentation for the detailed eligibility criteria before applying.
Employment Details
- Employment: Full-time, 36 hours per week.
- Contract: Initial 12-month contract, with the intention to extend to a total of 3 years.
- Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network.
- Network: POLARIS international doctoral training network.
- The position includes planned secondments, network-wide training and transferable-skills development.
Salary & Benefits
The position offers:
- Salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host-organisation rules.
- Participation in the international POLARIS doctoral training network.
- Access to network-wide training activities.
- Planned research secondments at partner organisations.
- Transferable-skills development.
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial research environment.
- Opportunities for scientific and professional development.
The exact salary amount is not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will work within the Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH) research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
MITH is a multidisciplinary research group working on targeted biopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Its expertise includes:
- Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), also known as nanobodies or VHHs.
- Nanobody discovery and engineering.
- Radiochemistry and radiopharmacy.
- Multimodality and multiscale imaging.
- Immune imaging and therapy.
- Targeted radionuclide therapy.
- Preclinical evaluation and clinical translation.
The candidate will also become part of the international POLARIS doctoral network, providing opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different scientific disciplines and with academic and industry partners across Europe.
Application Documents
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a complete itemised list of application documents. Applicants should consult the official application platform for the current requirements.
Applicants may also highlight up to two additional POLARIS projects of interest in their application letter. This does not replace the application to the primary position.
English Language Requirement
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.
Supervisor(s)/Contact
Academic Supervisors:
- Prof. Timo De Groof
- Prof. Nick Devoogdt
Project Contact:
Dr. Timo De Groof
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Email: [email protected]
Application Deadline
5 October 2026.
The selection process is expected to take place in October/November 2026.
Starting Date
Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Reference
No separate vacancy reference number is specified in the supplied information.
External Link
- Application: https://werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org/en/vacatures/research/msca-dn-phd-position-in-nanobody-development-for-gprc5b-brussels-be/application
- Vacancy: https://werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org/en/vacatures/research/msca-dn-phd-position-in-nanobody-development-for-gprc5b-brussels-be
- MITH Research Group: https://mith.research.vub.be/en
