The Lab of Neurobiology at KU Leuven invites applications for a four-year PhD position as part of the PLUS-ALS project, a collaborative research initiative with the ALS Center at UMCU Utrecht. This multidisciplinary project aims to systematically integrate and evaluate a broad spectrum of biomarkers in the ALS research field, including cognition, imaging, electrophysiology, digital technology, and wet-lab markers from blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The ultimate goal is to develop an innovative biomarker platform to enhance the success rate of early-phase clinical studies and accelerate the development of effective ALS therapies. As a PhD student, you will play a key role in preparing study protocols, submitting to ethics committees, conducting neuropsychological tests and questionnaires with patients, and managing the inclusion and follow-up of study participants at the Neuromuscular Reference Center at UZ Leuven. You will collaborate closely with researchers in Leuven and Utrecht, contributing to data collection, quality assurance, and data analysis. Additional responsibilities include supporting the coordination and implementation of the large-scale biomarker study, scientific reporting, presenting at national and international meetings, and publishing in scientific journals. The ideal candidate holds a master's degree in psychology (preferably clinical psychology or neuropsychology), cognitive neuroscience, or a related field such as clinical biomedical sciences with a strong interest in cognition. A passion for patient-centered research, neuropsychological assessment, and brain imaging is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, meticulousness in data collection, strong data analysis abilities, and be highly organized, flexible, and proactive. Fluency in both Dutch and English is required due to the patient population. KU Leuven offers a stimulating and dynamic research environment with excellent facilities, autonomy, and support from engaged supervisors and colleagues. The position includes a full-time doctoral fellowship for one year, extendable up to four years after a positive evaluation, with a salary according to standard Belgian regulations. The doctoral program provides opportunities for professional development through workshops, courses, seminars, conferences, and research stays abroad. The expected start date is April 2026. KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity and equal opportunity. For questions about accessibility or support, applicants are encouraged to reach out via the provided contact email addresses. Interested candidates should apply online via the KU Leuven job portal. For further information, contact Mrs. Joke De Vocht or Prof. dr. Philip Van Damme by email. The application deadline is January 30, 2026.

This PhD position at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The project is a collaborative effort between the Laboratory of Neurobiology, the Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, and the Laboratory for Neurofysiology in Neurodegenerative Disorders, all part of the Leuven Center for ALS Research (LEUCALS). The research aims to identify and validate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for ALS, translating molecular insights from transcriptomics and other omics datasets into clinically relevant protein biomarkers. The successful candidate will validate biomarker candidates in human CSF or plasma/serum using ultrasensitive immunoassay platforms such as NULISA and ELISA. The project involves integrating transcriptomic signatures identified by RNA-seq bioinformatics into protein-level readouts, performing quantitative data analysis, and statistical evaluation of biomarker performance. There is also a strong emphasis on independently mining and interpreting large-scale omics datasets, including bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics, to identify and prioritize novel biomarker candidates. This position is embedded in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, combining experimental neuroscience, clinical research, and computational biology. The candidate will receive close supervision and training in both experimental and computational approaches, with access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and omics datasets. Opportunities for collaboration with clinical and bioinformatics experts, participation in international conferences, and training programs are also provided. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. A strong interest in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS, is essential. Experience or motivation to learn immunoassay techniques and interest in RNA-seq and multi-omics data analysis are important; prior bioinformatics experience is advantageous but not mandatory. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills in English are required. While the position itself does not guarantee direct funding, guidance is provided to apply for a PhD fellowship from FWO-Vlaanderen. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Interested candidates should submit a motivation letter, detailed CV, and contact information for at least two academic referees. For further information, contact Mrs. Geethika Arekatla or Prof. dr. Philip Van Damme via the provided emails. Apply through the KU Leuven job portal.