Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
The PhD project is situated in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences in collaboration with Human Genetics at KU Leuven. It is part of a European, interdisciplinary project in Pediatric Cardiology, Human Genetics, Gynecology and Neonatology, creating a supportive research environment for fundamental and translational studies of congenital heart diseases.
Research will bridge genetic analysis in mother-child pairs, cardiac morphology and postnatal clinical presentation in children with left sided heart disease.
Project
This PhD position focusses on the wide spectrum of left sided heart lesions in children. They encompass conditions ranging from severe forms like hypoplastic left heart syndrome and aortic stenosis to milder forms of coarctation of the aorta. Despite advancements in surgical interventions, potential impairment of the systemic circulation and oxygen delivery can adversely affect long-term cardiovascular and neurological outcome. This research combines genetic analysis with clinical outcome parameters to develop a screening and risk stratification model in left sided heart lesions. You will be part of a project that aims to integrate multi-omics technologies, clinical cardiac and neurological investigations, and machine learning to enhance early diagnosis and risk stratification in children with left sided heart disease. Both, genetic and clinical data will allow us to develop targeted diagnostic tools and personalized treatment approaches. In this context, you will coordinate the inclusion of patients, ensure the performance of all investigations and analyze clinical data. You will apply and analyze cardiac imaging, neuro monitoring and laboratory parameters. This approach provides an innovative and detailed clinical assessment and will significantly improve our understanding of the spectrum of congenital left sided heart diseases. Throughout the project, you will closely collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in pediatric cardiology, human genetics, gynecology, neonatology and intensive care medicine.
Profile
You are requested to have a master’s degree in medicine, biomedical science, neuroscience or bioengineering.
Experience in cardiac hemodynamics, neuromonitoring and/or neurovascular coupling is a valuable asset for this PhD position.
You have a creative and analytical mindset and an interest in coordinating tasks.
You have an interest in cardiovascular research, particularly in congenital heart defects.
You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English and preferable also in Dutch.
You are expected to work both independently and as part of a team.
You are be flexible, precise, and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team.
You are expected to coordinate the clinical study and work with patient data.
You are expected to communicate with the international consortium.
You are expected to participate in grant writing and funding acquisition.
Offer
Access to clinical treatment and basic research facilities.
Integration in the European research landscape.
Opportunities to build up research and innovation skills.
Possibilities to attend international conferences and networking.
Funding is secured for 3 years, intended to be prolonged to 4 years.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ruth Heying, mail: ruth.heying@uzleuven.be or Prof. dr. Jeroen Breckpot, mail: jeroen.breckpot@uzleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026 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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