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The BREATHE laboratory, led by Dr. Laurens De Sadeleer, in the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Unit, has an open PhD position for a highly motivated researcher to investigate lung fibrosis using advanced imaging analysis and multi-omics techniques.
The BREATHE lab at KU Leuven is a renowned research facility conducting cutting-edge research with a world-leading, highly-characterized explant lung biobank.
The ILD Unit integrates in-depth morphological analysis with innovative CT-derived techniques and multi-omics approaches, utilizing both explant lung and clinical samples from the ILD clinic.
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease affecting over 300,000 patients in Europe.
Historically, research has focused on the deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.
However, this approach, intertwined with physiological repair upon injury, has not yielded fruitful interventions.
This project shifts focus to a different aspect of the disease: the significant increase in conductive airway-like structures, known as traction bronchiectasis (TBx) and honeycombing (HC).
Contrary to previous beliefs that these were passive end-stage disease phenomena, our preliminary findings suggest they result from an active, aberrant regenerative signaling response.
We aim to understand the morphological and molecular dynamics of TBx/HC and develop novel therapeutic options targeting these phenomena, which are not addressed by current treatments.
The research project has two main computational analysis goals:
1. Assess the 3D structure of HC/TBx using our unique inflated explant lung biobank and state-of-the-art whole-lung ultra-high-resolution CT scans and microCT of smaller lung samples.
2. Molecularly characterize these disease aspects using available multi-omics and spatially resolved transcriptomics datasets.
We seek a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a Master’s degree in Bio-engineering, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
Experience with computational analysis (single-cell omics analysis, image analysis, or both) is essential.
The ideal candidate is sociable, thrives in diverse teams, and enjoys working with people from various backgrounds.
They are dedicated, show initiative, and can contribute independently.
Basic laboratory skills are a plus.
Good communication skills and fluency in English are required; knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
We offer a 4-year PhD position in a dynamic and enthusiastic team.
The salary is competitive and aligns with university standards.
This opportunity provides experience with state-of-the-art imaging and multi-omics analysis techniques.
We support PhD students with close guidance and opportunities to participate in (inter)national collaborations and conferences.
Enjoy the standard conditions at KU Leuven, including state-of-the-art research facilities, training opportunities, social and health benefits, in the heart of Europe.
For more information, please contact Mr. Laurens De Sadeleer at laurens.desadeleer@kuleuven.be or Prof. Dr. Wim Wuyts at wim.wuyts@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment.
We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset and believe that open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment.
In our commitment to equal opportunity, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities and do not accept any form of discrimination based on 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, please contact us at this email address.