Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

An Urban Engaged University

At the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, your impact reaches further than you think. Every role, be it as a researcher, academic, IT professional, or administrative staff, contributes directly or indirectly to creating a better future. Through cutting-edge research, quality education, and essential support, we work together to address the challenges of tomorrow. Because the world needs you.

Our community is built on openness, connection, and learning. We are a place where collaboration thrives, equality and freedom are paramount, and you're empowered to innovate and think outside the box. As an Urban Engaged University, we are rooted in the vibrant city of Brussels and play an active role in Europe. We are driven by the Enlightenment values of critical thinking, free inquiry, and humanism, all in service of a sustainable and inclusive future.

#TheWorldNeedsYou

3.978

Employees

731

Professors

36%

Female professors

22.366

Students

ERC & MSCA Grants

25%

International students

151

Student nationalities

3.310

Scientific publications

257

PhD graduates

€144M+

Annual research budget

Working at VUB

Working at VUB means being part of a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive community in Brussels, Europe’s bustling capital of culture and innovation. Here, you’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues, challenge conventional ideas, and contribute to meaningful progress. It’s not just a job; it’s a mission to make a difference in the world.

A Green, People-Centered Campus

Our VUB campus offers an inspiring environment for tailored education and interdisciplinary research. Enjoy ample green spaces for a refreshing walk or quiet moment, and experience a friendly, open culture free of unnecessary formality. Annual events like the staff BBQ and party celebrate our genuine collegiality.

> Virtual tour
> Campus services in Etterbeek and Jette

A Dynamic & International Workplace

At VUB, you’ll join a community built on equality, freedom, and creative problem-solving. Collaborate with talented colleagues in a culture that challenges you to think outside the box and add value to your team and society. We welcome international talent, offering support for relocating, work permits, and visas to ensure a smooth transition.

> International career

Comprehensive Employment Conditions

Whether you’re a researcher, postdoc, professor, or professional staff, VUB rewards you with a competitive package aligned with Belgian standards. Enjoy excellent healthcare, supplementary insurance, childcare options, paid holidays, pension, and more.

> Employment conditions and benefits

What is it like to do research at VUB?

At Vrije Universiteit Brussel, we value both fundamental and applied research, celebrating pioneers across diverse scientific disciplines. As a dedicated researcher, you’ll thrive in an ecosystem tailored to nurture your talents and ambitions. Explore our groundbreaking research initiatives: Discover more.

Aurélie Van Wylick: “Free to grow”

Dr Aurélie Van Wylick, with a background in architecture and a passion for sustainable materials, researches how fungi can be used to repair cracks in concrete, enhancing both the sustainability and lifespan of buildings. Aurélie describes her time at VUB as a period in which she was given the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow, both as a researcher and as an individual. This freedom to constantly pursue new directions and push boundaries defines her outlook on being “free to grow.”

Damya Laoui: "Free to think in ways that challenge expectations."

Prof. Dr. ir. Damya Laoui graduated as a bioengineer and earned her PhD in bioengineering sciences at the VUB. She is a cancer researcher affiliated with the VUB (Brussels Centre for Immunology within the bioengineering sciences department) and the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB).
Her fundamental research into cancer therapies aimed at preventing relapse and metastasis is partly funded through the VUB-Yamina Krossa Fund.

An attractive and supportive work environment

VUB aims to create an attractive and supportive work environment in the heart of Brussels and Europe, fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. We strive to be the ideal workplace for pioneering high-tech research and meaningful career development for researchers, both Belgian and international. As part of out commitment to open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment, professional development, and a stimulating research culture, VUB has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research distinction, recognizing its dedication to improving working conditions and career opportunities for researchers at all stages.

As an international university embedded in numerous European and global networks, VUB’s strategic position in the heart of Europe makes it an ideal partner for research and education with a global outlook. The VUB is also a proud founding member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of ten European universities and six global partners.

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

An Urban Engaged University

Working at VUB

What is it like to do research at VUB?

An attractive and supportive work environment

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Assistent 'Screening of applications MSc Educational Sciences

PhD on the EU governance of the environment-economy nexus

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PhD position in Literary Studies on ERC project 'AFROPRESS' (South-Africa)

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