PhD fellow – Exercise Therapy After Kidney Transplantation KU Leuven in Belgium

The Research group of Nephrology and Renal transplantation, the Research Group Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology Leuven, and the Rehabilitation in Chronic Internal Disorders Research Unit Ghent are collaborating on a multicentre project to investigate the role of exercise therapy in the management of patients following kidney transplantation. This project, known as Project PHOENIX-Kidney, is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 147 patients and aims to provide clinical evidence for the use of home-based exercise therapy as an accessible, clinical, and cost-effective treatment to prevent the negative effects of sedentary behaviour on physical fitness and cardiovascular health outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

The primary outcome of the study is cardiorespiratory fitness, assessed by peak oxygen consumption. Secondary outcomes include cardiovascular health parameters, safety (including infection incidence), gut microbiome, cost-effectiveness, and implementation potential. The PhD student will play a key role in recruitment, screening, intervention delivery, outcome assessment, data analysis, and reporting. The research activities will culminate in a PhD thesis to be defended at KU Leuven.

The candidate will work closely with other members of the research groups and clinical units, benefiting from a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The project offers opportunities to engage with related research topics and to develop expertise in clinical exercise physiology, rehabilitation, and nephrology.

Applicants should have a MA degree (with at least distinction) in biomedical sciences, medical sciences, rehabilitation sciences, sports sciences, or a related field. A strong interest and background in clinical exercise physiology is required, and hands-on experience in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and interpretation is considered an asset. Excellent organizational and data analytic skills are expected, along with proficiency in Dutch and English, both verbally and in academic writing.

The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship, with salary according to university scales for doctoral researchers. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension following a positive evaluation. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school program and will have access to ample opportunities for postgraduate education and professional development.

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity as an asset and promoting equal opportunity. For questions about accessibility or support, applicants are encouraged to contact the university.

For more information, prospective candidates may contact Prof. dr. Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Prof. dr. Véronique Cornelissen, Prof. dr. Diethard Monbaliu, or Prof. dr. Patrick Calders via the provided email addresses. Applications should be submitted online through the KU Leuven job portal before the deadline of July 10, 2026.