PhD in Fall and Fracture Prevention: Implementation and Cost-Effectiveness at KU Leuven

This FWO-funded PhD position at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the field of fall and fracture prevention among older adults. The doctoral research will be conducted within the Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Koen Milisen and Dr. Sara Vandervelde. The research group is renowned for its expertise in developing, evaluating, and implementing interventions aimed at reducing falls and fractures, a major public health issue in ageing societies. The successful candidate will work closely with the Flemish Centre of Expertise on Fall and Fracture Prevention (EVV), collaborating with a multidisciplinary team focused on both community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults. The core of the project is the BE-EMPOWERed programme, a multifactorial intervention designed to increase the uptake of fall prevention strategies among community-dwelling older adults. This programme includes group-based interventions, workshops for healthcare professionals, and an implementation plan at the primary care zone level. The PhD project will advance this work by evaluating both the clinical (cost-)effectiveness and the implementation process of BE-EMPOWERed through a pragmatic cluster-randomised effectiveness–implementation hybrid type 2 trial. Responsibilities include conducting systematic literature reviews, designing and implementing research protocols, coordinating data collection, leading meetings, and disseminating findings through scientific publications and presentations. The candidate will also engage in quantitative and qualitative analyses, develop training materials, and translate research outcomes for policy and practice audiences. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a healthcare-related field (e.g., Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Gerontology, Healthcare Management and Policy, or equivalent) and have no more than two years of scientific seniority at the time of appointment. Essential skills include a strong scientific mindset, proficiency in statistics and research methods, excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, and a demonstrated interest in implementation science. The position requires flexibility, teamwork, initiative, and a commitment to professional development. The offer includes a one-year PhD scholarship, renewable based on performance, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and impact-driven research environment. The preferred start date is April 2026, with flexibility by mutual agreement. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive environment for all researchers. For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Sara Vandervelde ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr Koen Milisen ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted online via the KU Leuven job portal by 16 February 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews in the week of 23 February 2026.