PhD position: pathogenesis of EBV-driven lymphomas in the Departement of Pathology

The PhD project is situated in the Department of Imaging and Pathology at KU Leuven and the Departement of Pathology of UZ Leuven. It is part of an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with the department of Hematology and Center for Human Genetics, creating a supportive research environment for fundamental and translational studies in lymphoma pathogenesis.
Research will focus on tissue-based studies (histopathology, multiplex immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, next generation sequencing) and bridge clinical treatment of patients and translational research.

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Project

This PhD position focuses on the understanding of the pathogenesis of EBV-driven lymphomas in a patient cohort with or without an underlying immune deficiency/dysregulation (post-transplantation, iatrogenic IDD, HIV, immune senescence, inborn errors of immunity).
You will be part of an ongoing project that studies the pathological characteristics of both the EBV-infected B-cells as well as the tumor microenvironment, particularly in polymorphic and monomorphic lymphoproliferative disorders.
The translational approach provides detailed histopathological analysis, in combination with genetic and clinical data and will significantly improve our understanding of this complex disease and management of such patients.
Throughout the project, you will closely collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in pathology, hematology, immunology and human genetics.

Profile

• You have a master’s degree in medicine, biomedical science or another relevant discipline. You should preferably have a strong CV (high honors, >75% and/or publications in international journals as first or last author).
• You have a creative  and analytical mindset and look for problem-solving ideas and opportunities.
• You have an interest in lymphoma research, and preferably have experience in histopathology, genetics and/or bioinformatics.
• You have outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, and ideally in Dutch as well.
• You are expected to work both independently and as part of a team.
• You are expected to be flexible, precise, and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team.
• You are expected to work translational with human tumor tissue samples and patient data.
• You are expected to contribute to the writing of research proposals and supervise master students.

Offer

A supportive and collaborative team in which you can develop know-how and expertise in clinicopathological and translational research aspects of lymphoma.
Access to biobanked human tumor samples, clinical data, advanced histopathology and genetics facilities.
Integration in the European research landscape.
Opportunities to build up research and innovation skills.
Possibilities to attend international conferences and networking.
Financing is guaranteed for at least the first 2 years. During that period the candidate will be encouraged to obtain supplementary personal or project financing.

KU Leuven offers a stimulating environment for international students and support for young scientists in their career development.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Thomas Tousseyn, mail: thomas.tousseyn@uzleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than September 01, 2026 via the online application tool