PhD Position: MULTIPREP Trial – Biopsychosocial Teleprehabilitation for Lower Limb Arthroplasty KU Leuven in Belgium

The MULTIPREP trial is a PhD research opportunity at KU Leuven, embedded within the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (MSK) research group. This group is dedicated to advancing the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in diverse populations, including elite athletes, individuals with spinal pain, osteoarthritis, and frail older adults. The research focuses on neuromuscular and proprioceptive control of posture and movement, as well as psychosocial and lifestyle factors influencing musculoskeletal pain across rheumatology, traumatology, orthopedics, and sports injuries.

The PhD project is part of an FWO-TBM funded initiative titled “The added value of MULTImodal biopsychosocial telePREhabilitation for individuals undergoing lower limb arthroPlasty: the MULTIPREP trial.” The TBM programme supports therapies, diagnostics, and preventive methods that require governmental funding due to limited industrial interest. The project addresses the high frequency of lower limb joint arthroplasties in Belgium and the significant proportion of patients who experience persistent pain and reduced physical activity post-surgery. The aim is to improve recovery and promote a more active lifestyle through a multimodal biopsychosocial teleprehabilitation intervention, combining pain science education, physical activity promotion, and stress management guided by motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy principles.

Scientific objectives include evaluating the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of teleprehabilitation plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone in clinical outcomes at 12 months post-arthroplasty. Outcomes measured include pain, functioning, physical activity levels, cognitive-emotional outcomes, joint awareness, patient satisfaction, performance-based outcomes, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and productivity loss.

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a Master of Science degree in a relevant field (rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy, psychology, medicine) by October 1, 2026. Proficiency in Dutch and English, strong academic writing and communication skills, motivation for the research topic, attention to detail, teamwork skills, and willingness to contribute to teaching and supervise master’s theses are required. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for personal funding from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).

The position offers a full-time PhD contract within an interuniversity collaboration (KU Leuven, VUB, UHasselt, Auckland University of Technology) and clinical partners (UZ Brussel, UZ Leuven, ZOL, Ziekenhuis Geel). KU Leuven is the main institution, with VUB as a partner. Benefits include access to expertise, international research network, research infrastructure, PhD training, intensive supervision, and a stimulating work environment. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a four-year PhD trajectory upon positive evaluation.

KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For accessibility or support questions, applicants may contact the provided email address.

Application deadline is May 11, 2026. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Liesbet De Baets at [email protected].