The Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the interdisciplinary FWO-SBO funded project ANTICIPATE (Artificial Intelligence and Epidemic Modeling to Prepare Hospitals for the Next Respiratory Pathogen with Pandemic Potential).
Project Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in our ability to detect and respond to emerging respiratory viruses. ANTICIPATE aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness by developing AI-driven tools and epidemiological models to (1) detect novel pathogens early through broad genomic screening and (2) support hospitals in mitigating the impact of pandemics through optimized decision-making and data collection strategies.
The project brings together experts in artificial intelligence, epidemiology, health economics, molecular diagnostics, and public health. It is structured around six scientific work packages and three real-world use cases (UCs), with continuous input from a broad advisory board of hospitals, government agencies and healthcare organizations.
Scope of the PhD project: Development of an extraction procedure and diagnostic platform
The PhD candidate will be jointly affiliated with the Department of Clinical Biology/Microbiology Diseases at UZ Brussel, sequencing platform BRIGHTcore, and the AI Lab at the VUB. You will play a key role in the development of a novel AI-guided diagnostic platform for detecting novel respiratory pathogens. Being able to detect novel pathogens more rapidly, will facilitate a faster response. Responsibilities include: firstly, the development of an extraction procedure performed on collected respiratory samples and secondly, the development of a genomic diagnostic platform to detect previously unknown viruses.
Candidate Profile
- Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, public health, biostatistics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, or a related field.
- Experience in bioinformatics and computational approaches.
- Strong interest in AI, infectious disease modeling, data-driven healthcare, and interdisciplinary research.
- Experience with data analysis (e.g., R, Python) and/or clinical data management is a plus.
- Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Dutch is an asset for working in a clinical setting.
- Collaborative mindset and motivation to contribute to impactful, societally relevant research.
What We Offer
A fully funded 4-year PhD position within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research consortium. Access to rich clinical datasets, cutting-edge modeling tools, and real-world hospital infrastructure. Opportunities for international collaboration, training, and dissemination. A vibrant academic environment at the interface of AI, public health, and clinical research.
Start Date: October 2025 (flexible)
How to apply: Interested candidates should send a CV, motivation letter, and contact information for two references to info@ai.vub.ac.be, Leander Schietgat and Anca Florea.
Application deadline: 31/08/2025. Applications received after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.