PhD insect venom allergy

Project

As part of the IMprOVeIT project (Improving Occupational Venom ImmunoTherapy), our research group is seeking a motivated doctoral student to conduct research into occupational insect venom allergy, with particular attention to bumblebee venom. This project is being conducted in close collaboration with Biobest, an international reference in the field of biological pollination.

Bee and wasp stings are a daily reality for many people – usually harmless, but sometimes potentially life-threatening. Immunotherapy with insect venom is currently the only proven treatment capable of preventing severe allergic reactions. However, the optimal duration, frequency, and reliable biomarkers for predicting treatment response and long-term tolerance remain unclear.

Bumblebees can also sting and cause severe reactions, although this occurs much more rarely and usually in an occupational context. Diagnostic options for bumblebee venom allergy are currently limited, and knowledge regarding immunotherapy with bumblebee venom is still scarce. However, the world’s largest patient cohort with a bumblebee venom allergy is being followed up at UZ Leuven, which offers unique research opportunities.

Within this project, occupational groups that frequently come into contact with bees, wasps, and bumblebees – including Biobest employees – will be followed longitudinally. The project combines clinical data collection, immunological characterization, and biomarker research to identify determinants of therapeutic response and long-term tolerance.

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to be part of translational research with direct clinical impact and to contribute scientifically to safer, more personalized care for people with occupational insect venom allergy.

your role in this project: 

• You help set up and monitor clinical cohorts and databases.
• You collect and analyze clinical data from patients and employees. 
• You coordinate sample collection and biobanking and contribute to existing (including specific IgE, recombinant testing, skin tests, basophil activation tests) and new immunological analyses, diagnostics, and techniques. 
• You present results at meetings and conferences and co-author publications.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedical or Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field (with at least one distinction). 
• You have a background in or a strong interest in allergology, clinical immunology, and clinical scientific research and/or immunological laboratory techniques. 
• You are accurate, analytical, and organized, but also flexible and results-oriented. You have perseverance. 
• You are a team-oriented researcher with good communication and social skills and a proactive attitude. You can work both independently and as part of a team. 
• You have a fluent command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.
• You have a category B driving license or are willing to obtain one in order to travel to research partner sites.

Offer

• Full-time fixed-term employment of 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years, with a view to obtaining a doctorate.
• A dynamic and strong clinical-translational research environment with access to unique (occupational) patient cohorts (bumblebee breeders, wasp exterminators, beekeepers) and state-of-the-art biomarker platforms, in close collaboration with physicians and researchers. 
• Intensive supervision by experienced clinical and translational researchers.
• Ample opportunities for training, conference participation, international cooperation, and professional development. 
• A meaningful role in research that makes clinical care safer and more personal.
• Start date: between July 1, 2026 and September 1, 2026 (negotiable).

Interested?

You can apply for this vacancy until 01/07/2026 via our online application system.