PhD in Biomedical Sciences: Fibrosis, inflammation and thrombosis in Fontan failure: the Fontan INFINETx study.

failure: the Fontan INFINETx study.

(ref. BAP-2023-102)

Last modification : Friday, February 17, 2023

The Congenital Cardiology research unit in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences of KU Leuven is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD candidate in the field of cardiovascular disease. The University: KU Leuven offers a stimulating environment for international students and support for junior scientists to achieve their ambitions and in career development. The Department of Cardiovascular Sciences: The Department is situated on the Biomedical Campus of KU Leuven. It has the entire range of competences from basic science, over preclinical modeling to applied clinical and epidemiological research, taking a systems approach to the complexity of cardiovascular disorders. The research unit: Our research unit will support you in gaining expertise in required areas and through our excellent local and international collaborators and core facilities, you will have access to additional expertise and tools. Our research unit is embedded in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences situated in the Biomedical Campus of KU Leuven, Belgium.

Website unit

This project provides a unique opportunity to perform clinical and translational research at KU Leuven. Our research unit focuses on identifying mechanisms leading up to heart failure related to congenital heart disease. Our approach is multiscale, from advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques to unravelling pathways causing inflammation, thrombosis and fibrosis (in collaboration with the lab of prof. Kim Martinod).

You will conduct translational research in patients born with a single ventricle palliated with a Fontan circulation. More specifically, you will develop and validate an innovative methodology to determine diastolic myocardial properties using invasive pressure measurements, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and preload modulation of the heart. Furthermore, you will assess the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development of cardiac fibrosis and thrombosis. The project is an international, multicenter study involving UZ KU Leuven and UCL in Belgium, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris in France, and Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle in the UK, all of which are world leading centers within the field of congenital heart disease.

You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the research group of Cardiovascular Diseases. You will publish scientific articles related to the research project. You are willing to apply for an FWO doctoral fellowship to obtain external funding. You will collaborate with other members of the research unit. You will be expected to develop expertise in areas necessary for successful progress of your project. You will be expected to present your work at conferences, lab meeting, and departmental meetings You hold a Master degree in Medicine or Biomedical Sciences, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. You are motivated, have an inquiring mind and are excited by science. You enjoy collaborating with your colleagues. You are a team player with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. You enjoy presenting your data to collaborators and to the community at scientific meetings. You can demonstrate excellent study results. Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You perform your research to the highest standards and integrity.

We offer a 4-year PhD position with market conform wages in a large, multidisciplinary research center in the heart of Europe. The position is immediately available.

The planned start date is October 1st 2023.

Please send your CV, and a motivation letter to:

Prof. Dr. Alexander Van De Bruaene, Email: ([email protected]).Please also apply via the online portal of KULeuven.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected]