The oncology research unit of the department of rehabilitation sciences of KU Leuven (prof. Nele Devoogdt and dr. Ceren Gursen) together with the centre for lymphedema of the department of vascular surgery at the University Hospital Leuven (prof. dr. Sarah Thomis) are seeking a full-time (100%) PhD candidate in the field of lipedema research, with a specific focus on diagnostic biomarkers.Website unit
Project
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by the disproportionate fat distribution and bilateral and symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, primarily in the legs. The mechanisms underlying its clinical manifestations remain poorly understood. For this reason, lipedema is diagnosed clinically based on following symptoms and subjective physical examination. As a result, the diagnosis of lipedema remains unstandardized and it is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity.
The BIO-LIP project is a case-control study that aims to develop a precise diagnostic approach that goes beyond observable clinical changes and self-reported symptoms to differentiate lipedema patients from those with obesity, as well as non-obese controls.
The first aim of the BIO-LIP project is to identify the diagnostic potential of biomarkers for lipedema, which can be divided into 5 domains: 1**)** body composition, 2) sensory profile, 3) circulating, 4) physical functioning, and 5) psychological functioning-(related) biomarkers.
The second aim of the BIO-LIP project involves identifying different phenotypes of lipedema in order to determine their unique clinical characteristics.
Therefore, we will include patients with lipedema, obesity, and non-obese controls and measurements will be performed at one time-point.
Position
You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis.
You will perform the recruitment of patients for the BIO-LIP project at the University Hospital of Leuven.
You will perform evaluations of the participants with lipedema and obesity and nonobese-controls (i.e. measurements on body composition, sensory profile, and physical functioning related biomarkers), in cooperation with the research team, in the University Hospital of Leuven.
You will be involved in organization of international expert consensus meetings.You will be involved in data management (set up REDCap and entering data in REDCap). You will be involved in data analyses and interpretation.You will be involved in the dissemination of the project results.You will publish scientific articles related to the project.
You will be involved in science communication (e.g. social media) related to the project.You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for KU Leuven.
Profile
You hold a Master degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, in Medicine or in Biomedical Sciences or you will have obtained it by September 2025. To have an qualification to get blood samples is a positive point regarding application.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical and creative individual to join our team.
You are interested in scientific research and motivated to start a PhD. You have already built up a good study and internship curriculum.
You enjoy working with patients in collaboration with a team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and researchers.
You are Dutch-speaking, fluent in English and have good communication skills.
You have organizational skills, are accurate and eager to learn.
You have a flexible attitude.
Offer
We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 3 years.
The planned start date is October 2026 (based on availability).
You will do your work at Campus Gasthuisberg and Campus Pellenberg of KU Leuven and University Hospital Leuven in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
Interested?
You can apply for this vacancy through the KU Leuven’s online job application platform up to and including 18th of August (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ''Apply'' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include a motivation letter and your academic CV.
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar for the interviews: Monday, 24th of August afternoon and Tuesday, 25th of August morning.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nele Devoogdt, mail: nele.devoogdt@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Ceren Gürşen, mail: ceren.guersen@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Fields: Biomedicine, Nutrition and Dietetics, Psychiatry & Psychology, Epidemiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, and 2 more, Vascular Medicine, Molecular Medicine
