Job Description

(ref. BAP-2025-653)
Laatst aangepast: 24/10/25

The Laboratory for Genetics of Malignant Disorders is looking for a motivated PhD researcher to join our team on sarcoma research.
Sarcomas are rare, often aggressive tumours originating from mesenchymal tissues. With >100 subtypes, they are highly heterogeneous in terms of histological presentation, disease course, and molecular background. While genetic testing is emerging as a cornerstone of sarcoma diagnosis and care, current approaches lack efficiency and sensitivity, delaying and complicating clinical decision-making. As a reference centre for sarcoma diagnosis and treatment, we have a long history and established reputation in clinical and translational sarcoma research, and we continue developing cutting-edge technologies in an attempt to improve sarcoma diagnosis and treatment.

You will join a vibrant doctoral school (Thematic Programme: Cancer) and a multidisciplinary research team spanning the full range of expertise required to successfully complete this project including clinical genetics, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, imaging, computational biology and preclinical modelling, all based in Leuven, with strong links to international research groups.

Website van de eenheid

Project

This PhD project aims to develop a streamlined diagnostic approach for sarcomas that leverages cutting-edge technologies, such as Optical Genome Mapping (OGM, recently validated at UZLeuven) and Multiomic whole-genome Long-Read Sequencing (LRS). 

To make sense of the wealth of information in these large data sets, we will deploy advanced cancer genomics workflows in the secure and scalable UZ Leuven Genomics Core cloud and report insights to clinicians via an intuitive interface. 

The proposed approach will alleviate bottlenecks, extract biomakers, uncover novel biological insights, and address the unmet clinical needs of patients with poorly characterized sarcomas. 

Together, the proposed research has the potential to revolutionize sarcoma diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Profile

• Msc in biomedical sciences, engineering, medicine, pharmacy or equivalent

• Experience in bioinformatics or AI is a plus

• Excellent verbal and written English communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently together with a creative problem-solving mentality

• Knowledge of Dutch and/or French is an asset but not mandatory

Offer

We provide a full-time employment in a stimulating international work environment equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. 

We offer initially a 1-year scholarship, funding for renewal is already available; candidates are also encouraged to apply for additional (inter)national funding and fellowships. 

You will be based in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city in the heart of Belgium, within close proximity to major European capitals. 

KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally-oriented university that conducts fundamental and applied scientific research. It is highly inter- and multidisciplinary focused and strives for international excellence. 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Isabelle Vanden Bempt, mail:.isabelle.vandenbempt@uzleuven.be

You can apply for this job no later than December 01, 2025 via the online application tool

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.

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