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.