Summary
The Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies at KU Leuven (under Prof. Maarten Dewilde) is seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to join their multidisciplinary team. The project focuses on developing next-generation nanobody technologies to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), enabling the transport of therapeutics, nanoparticles, and viral vectors into the brain to treat neurological disorders.
PhD Position: Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier with Nanobodies, KU Leuven, Belgium
Designation
- Doctoral Researcher / PhD Student (Doctoraatsstudent)
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Reference | BAP-2026-483 |
| Institution | KU Leuven |
| Laboratory | Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies |
| Lead Investigator | Prof. Dr. Maarten Dewilde |
| Employment Type | Full-time (Voltijds) |
| Funding / Duration | 1 year initial, extendable up to 4 years upon positive evaluation |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Research Area
- Antibody & Nanobody Engineering
- Targeted Drug Delivery
- Neurosciences
- Molecular Biology & Protein Engineering
- Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences
- Bioengineering & Biotechnology
Location
- Leuven, Belgium (KU Leuven)
Eligibility / Qualification
Mandatory Requirements:
- Degree: Master’s degree (or close to completing) in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
- Research Interest: Strong passion for antibody engineering, drug delivery, neuroscience, or translational biomedical research.
- In Vivo Research: Willingness to work with animal models (mice) and contribute to in vivo BBB transport studies.
- Skills: Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, strong English communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Grant Applications: Motivation to build an independent scientific profile and apply for competitive personal fellowships with supervisor support.
Additional Assets (Not Mandatory):
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology, protein engineering, virology, immunology, or neuroscience.
- Prior experience in cell culture and/or animal experimentation (holding a FELASA B certificate or eligibility to obtain it is a plus).
Job Description
As a PhD researcher on this project, you will:
- Investigate nanobody-based strategies for delivering nanoparticles and viral vectors across the blood-brain barrier.
- Design, construct, and characterize novel shuttle constructs targeting BBB transporters (such as transferrin receptor, CD98hc, insulin receptor, and glucose transporters).
- Evaluate transport mechanisms using advanced in vitro cell models and in vivo animal models.
- Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of PhD students, postdocs, technicians, and an innovation manager.
- Support the faculty’s teaching duties by supervising practical lab sessions and teaching activities in biomedical and biotechnology programs.
How to Apply
- Inquiries: For more detailed information regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Maarten Dewilde via email at
maarten.dewilde@kuleuven.be. - Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official KU Leuven Online Application Portal.
Last Date for Apply
- August 31, 2026 at 23:59 CET
