Ocean Job Board
0
Organizations
0
Jobs
VLIZ recruits: PhD "Immune effects of sea air"
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Posted on Nov 26, 2025
Exploring marine microbes at the air–sea interface: Unravelling their hidden links to human health.
BACKGROUND
The ocean covers over 70% of our planet and supports countless ecosystem services vital to human life. Among its lesser-known roles is its influence on human health through complex biological and chemical interactions at the air–sea interface. Sea spray aerosols (SSAs), generated by breaking waves, contain a rich mixture of microorganisms and bioactive molecules originating from marine bacteria, phytoplankton, and other sources. These airborne particles are transported inland and inhaled by coastal populations. Recent studies by Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) have shown that SSAs contain marine endotoxins capable of inducing measurable immune responses in human cell models. These findings provide the first direct experimental support for a biological mechanism linking coastal exposure to potential health effects. However, the molecular and ecological basis of this interaction remains largely unexplored.
PROJECT GOAL
This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to unravel the mechanistic links between marine microbial diversity, endotoxin composition, and human immune responses. By combining environmental microbiology, molecular biology, and human toxicology, the study will explore how marine bacteria and their endotoxins contribute to the “coastal health effect” observed in epidemiological studies. The project’s central hypothesis is that marine endotoxins present in sea spray aerosols can trigger low-level immunostimulatory responses with potential health benefits. To test this hypothesis, the candidate will work across two interconnected research components: 1) Exposure assessment: Build upon existing microbial aerosol datasets to identify and quantify marine bacteria and associated metabolites across contrasting environments. 2) Effect assessment: Investigate dose–response relationships between marine endotoxin exposure and innate immune responses in simple and complex human lung model systems with and without exposure to respiratory pathogens. This work will generate fundamental insights into how marine microorganisms and their bioactive molecules interact with the human body at the cellular and molecular levels. Ultimately, the results will contribute to a mechanistic understanding explaining how exposure to marine aerosols can influence immune regulation and inform our broader understanding of the biological connections between the ocean and human health.
OUR OFFER
- A four-year contract in a vibrant and international environment at InnovOcean Campus and the Marine Station Ostend (MSO) in Ostend, Belgium.
- A competitive remuneration package based on the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009 for a graduated Master student.
- You will be enrolled at Ghent University as a PhD student and have access to training programs and courses offered within the doctoral training program ng.
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, the opportunity for bicycle lease, free public transport between home and work and hospitalization insurance.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
- The possibility to work partly from home after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
- Develop a project plan, including literature review, hypothesis formulation, and experimental design.
- Conduct field sampling and laboratory analyses of sea spray aerosols independently.
- Perform molecular and cellular assays to study immunological responses to marine endotoxin exposure.
- Process, analyze, and interpret data using modern statistical and bioinformatic tools.
- Take the initiative to discuss planning and report progress.
- Communicate research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and project meetings.
- Complete a PhD dissertation under the supervision of the project coordinators.
- Apply for extra funding opportunities (personal fellowship, grants, prizes, travel support, etc).
- Interact with other scientists and partners to help develop a network on Oceans & Human Health.
- Contribute to events organised by the Research Department or the Institute, such as the VLIZ Marine Science Day or Research Seminars.
- Supervise BSc and MSc students for job student, internship or thesis work.
- Contribute to research and innovation projects in collaboration with partners from the Blue Economy.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- MSc degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Strong interest in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and/or toxicology.
- Experience with techniques such as DNA extraction, qPCR, cell culture, or bioinformatics is an advantage.
- Good oral and written English communication skills.
- Good academic writing skills are a plus, you can provide a writing sample (master thesis or publication).
- Analytical, self-motivated, proactive, demonstrates strong collaboration skills and is committed to fostering a positive team-oriented work environment.
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary fields and to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Flexibility to work in a scientific multicultural environment.
ABOUT US
Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Maarten De Rijcke: maarten.derijcke@vliz.be.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Tuesday, December 9th by filling in this form: Application Form: PhD "Immune effects of sea air" | Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.
PROCEDURE
Based on the received cover letters and CV’s; a select group of candidates will be invited for a single round of job interviews. You will be informed by email.
The job interviews will take place in the offices of VLIZ (or online) on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. You will be invited to present the topic of your master thesis or recent publications (5 min).
Employment starts on 1st February 2026.