Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
You will be part of the Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy (KU Leuven) and work on a translational research project aimed at the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer. The project focuses on addressing immunosuppression through drug repurposing strategies, with the ultimate goal of translating preclinical findings into a clinical study.
Your work will primarily consist of preclinical in vivo mouse experiments, immunoanalyses, and the integration of data for clinical translation.
Profile
Essential requirements:
- A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, medicine, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field, with strong academic results from Bachelor’s to Master’s.
- Solid knowledge of cancer biology and immunology, with a strong motivation to delve deeper into tumor immunology.
- FELASA B certificate for conducting animal experiments
- Willingness to work flexibly in accordance with experimental timelines, including occasional work during weekends or holidays in the context of animal care and ongoing in vivo studies, with appropriate compensation and scheduling.
- Practical experience with laboratory techniques, including in vivo mouse models, cell cultures, flow cytometry, and immunological assays.
- Strong analytical skills (including data and statistical analysis) and organizational skills
- Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
Pros:
- Experience with translational or clinical research
- Experience with academic writing or publications
- Experience with bioinformatics or data analysis (R, FlowJo, etc.)
- Expertise in laboratory techniques such as bioluminescent imaging and working with rat cancer models
Offer
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position within an impactful translational research project, following positive evaluations.
- Training in groundbreaking tumor immunology, preclinical models, and translational oncology
- Close collaboration with clinicians and pharmacologists, with direct relevance to patient care
- A dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment
- Opportunities for international collaborations and participation in conferences
- An environment with proven experience in translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
Interested?
For more information, please contact Ms. Ann Vankerckhoven, email: ann.vankerckhoven@kuleuven.be, or Ms. Yani Berckmans, email: yani.berckmans@kuleuven.be.
Invitations for interviews will be sent out between August 10 and 12, 2026. The interviews will take place in the week of August 17, 2026, daily between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (CET).
You can apply via the online application tool up to and including August 5, 2026.
Applications must include a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and the contact details of at least two references.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We view diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and diverse perspectives are essential for an ambitious research and teaching environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not tolerate 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 beliefs, neurodiversity, disability, health, or socio-economic status. For questions regarding accessibility or support, we are happy to assist you via hr.diversiteit@kuleuven.be
You can apply for this vacancy until 05/08/2026 via our online application system.
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