The IBD Leuven group is an internationally recognised research group that combines leading clinical care with translational research in inflammatory bowel diseases. Our focus lies on genetics, immunology, the microbiome and nutrition, supported by advanced techniques such as metabolomics, single-cell omics and functional ex vivo models. We combine this expertise with clinical insights and an extensive biobank that offers unique research opportunities. As a doctoral student, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, paramedical staff, laboratory technicians, biomedical scientists and bioinformaticians.
Project
Our research group is looking for a motivated doctoral student to conduct translational research focused on complications in Crohn's disease. This chronic bowel disease is characterised by inflammation and fibrosis, which in many patients leads to intestinal strictures and the need for surgery. Both the development of fibrotic strictures and postoperative recurrence, of which the latter occurs very frequently after surgery, are clinical problems for which the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. This doctoral project investigates how interactions between intestinal contents, intestinal tissue and mesenteric adipose tissue (the so-called "creeping fat") contribute to both complications. Through single-nuclei epigenome and transcriptome analyses, we will unravel the cellular landscape of intestinal and adipose tissue. In parallel, we will use metabolomics and organoids to investigate the role of luminal metabolites in the onset of postoperative recurrence.
Profile
- You hold, or will hold by early July 2026 at the latest, a master's degree in biomedical sciences or a related field.
- Scientific research is your passion. You are ready to take the step towards a doctorate and build on a strong academic foundation and valuable internship experience.
- You have a strong interest in translational research: you want to bridge laboratory research and clinical applications, and are motivated to contextualise findings within a broader (bio)medical context.
- You combine a pronounced interest in experimental laboratory work with an affinity for bioinformatic analyses, including in an omics context. You have experience with molecular biology techniques. Programming experience (R or Python) is an asset but not a requirement. Nevertheless, we do expect you to be willing to acquire these skills.
- You are fluent in Dutch and English, both spoken and written.
- You are motivated, eager to learn and take initiative.
- You are precise, analytical and have a talent for organisation.
- You are able to work independently and flexibly, and have perseverance.
- You have excellent communication skills and a collegial, collaborative attitude, both within the lab and in a hospital environment, including during patient sample collection.
Offer
- Full-time doctoral position, subject to a positive evaluation by the doctoral committee after the first year.
- A dynamic and strong clinical-translational research environment with access to unique patient cohorts and state-of-the-art techniques, in close collaboration with physicians and researchers.
- Intensive supervision by experienced clinical and translational researchers.
- Opportunities for professional development, collaborations and conference attendance.
- Start date: between 1 July 2026 and 1 October 2026 (negotiable).
Interested?
https://www.ibd-leuven.com/
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Bram Verstockt, [email protected] or Dr. Sare Verstockt, [email protected]
Applications can be submitted until 10/06/2026 via the online application tool. Following an initial selection based on the submitted files, candidates will be invited for an interview (in Leuven or online for candidates who cannot attend in person). Candidates must submit a complete CV including email addresses of academic references. In addition to their CV, candidates must submit a cover letter in which they elaborate on their specific interest in this vacancy, along with a detailed overview of their academic career and results.
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.
