Are you a motivated researcher passionate about medical innovation? KU Leuven is offering an exciting PhD position within the BIO-LIP project, focusing on identifying diagnostic biomarkers and clinical phenotypes for lipoedema.
Fully Funded PhD in Lipoedema Research – KU Leuven, Belgium
Summary
Lipoedema is a chronic condition currently diagnosed through subjective physical examination, often leading to confusion with obesity. The BIO-LIP project is a case-control study aimed at developing a standardized diagnostic tool by identifying biomarkers across five key domains: body composition, sensory profile, circulation, physical function, and mental function.
Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Designation | PhD Researcher (100% full-time) |
| Research Area | Rehabilitation Sciences, Chronic Diseases, Cardiovascular Sciences |
| Location | Leuven (Campus Gasthuisberg & Pellenberg), Belgium |
| Start Date | October 2026 |
| Deadline | August 18, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Key Responsibilities
- Participant Recruitment: Lead the recruitment of participants with lipoedema, obesity, and non-obese controls at UZ Leuven.
- Clinical Evaluation: Conduct assessments on participants, including body composition, sensory profiling, and functional testing.
- Data Management: Set up and manage the REDCap database and perform data entry.
- Collaboration: Organize consensus meetings with an international expert group and work within a multidisciplinary team.
- Research Output: Analyze data, publish scientific articles, present results at international events, and engage in science communication.
- Academic Support: Provide support for educational or clinical tasks at UZ Leuven.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Medicine, or Biomedical Sciences (must be obtained by September 2026).
- Skills: Highly motivated, critical, and creative. Accurate and quality-oriented.
- Language: Fluency in Dutch and English.
- Experience: Experience with blood collection is considered a plus.
- Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills, interest in patient interaction, and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official KU Leuven online application platform. You will need to provide:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A motivation letter.
For more information, please contact prof. dr. Nele Devoogdt (nele.devoogdt@kuleuven.be) or mevrouw Ceren Gürşen (ceren.guersen@kuleuven.be). Note that selection interviews are scheduled for August 24–25, 2026.
