PhD position: Crohn’s disease unravelled: intestinal fibrosis and postoperative recurrence driven by an interplay of the intestinal wall, luminal contents, and mesenteric adipose tissue

The IBD Leuven group (Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism) is an internationally recognized research group that combines leading clinical care with translational research in inflammatory bowel diseases. Our focus is 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 depth and an extensive biobank that offers unique research opportunities. As a PhD student, you will become part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of physicians, paramedics, laboratory technicians, biomedical scientists, and bioinformaticians.

Project

Our research group is seeking a motivated PhD student to conduct translational research into complications of Crohn’s disease. This chronic bowel disease is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, which leads to intestinal strictures and the need for surgery in many patients. Both the development of fibrotic strictures and postoperative relapse, which occurs very frequently after resection, are clinical problems for which the underlying molecular mechanisms are still insufficiently understood. This PhD project investigates how interactions between intestinal contents, intestinal tissue, and mesenteric adipose tissue (the so-called “creeping fat”) contribute to both complications. Using single-nuclei epigenome and transcriptome analyses, we unravel the cellular landscape of intestinal and adipose tissue. In parallel, we investigate the role of luminal metabolites in the development of postoperative relapse using metabolomics and organoids.

Profile

• You have obtained a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field, or will obtain it no later than early July 2026.  

•  Scientific research is your passion. You are ready to take the step towards a PhD and build upon a strong academic foundation and valuable internship experience.

• You have a strong interest in translational research: you want to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, and are motivated to frame findings within a broader (bio)medical context.

• You combine a strong interest in experimental lab work with an affinity for bioinformatic analyses, including in an omics context. You have experience with techniques in molecular biology. Programming experience (R or Python) is an asset but not a requirement. However, we do expect you to be willing to acquire these skills.

• You have a fluent command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

• You are motivated, eager to learn, and take initiative.

· You are accurate, analytical, and have a talent for organization.

• You can work independently and flexibly. You have perseverance.

• You possess excellent communication skills and a collegial, collaborative attitude, both within the laboratory and in a hospital environment, including during patient sample collection.

Offer

· A 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.

• Ample opportunities for professional development, collaborations, and conference participation.

· Start date: between July 1, 2026 and October 1, 2026 (negotiable).

Interested?

You can apply for this vacancy until 10/06/2026 via our online application system.