PhD: Research on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients KU Leuven in Belgium

The Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Lab at KU Leuven is recruiting a PhD candidate for research on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in critically ill patients. The project is hosted within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation at a top-ranked university in Belgium and will be supervised by Prof. Dr Joost Wauters, head of the lab.

This PhD project focuses on a clinically important fungal infection that is increasingly recognized in intensive care settings, including severe influenza/COVID-19 and acute-on-chronic liver failure. While invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is well known as a life-threatening infection among immunosuppressed patients, its mechanisms in critically ill patients are still not fully understood. The successful candidate will investigate disease pathophysiology using patient samples and autopsy specimens, combining immunological, histological and multi-omics approaches with bioinformatics to understand how different factors contribute to disease development and progression.

The position is embedded in an international and interdisciplinary research team and offers opportunities to collaborate with expert researchers in microbiology, histology, immunology, multi-omics and intensive care medicine from KU Leuven and other universities and research institutes. The lab environment is described as high-quality, supportive and scientifically ambitious, with access to state-of-the-art technology and excellent training in a strong academic setting.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, medicine, bioengineering, biochemical engineering technology, biology or a related equivalent qualification, along with excellent academic results. The role is especially suited to candidates with a strong interest in microbiology, histology, immunology and bioinformatics, and those comfortable using Excel and R. Strong written and spoken English is required, together with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, present findings at conferences, contribute to teaching and supervision, and pursue fellowship applications.

The PhD appointment is for four years, starting with an initial one-year contract subject to favourable evaluation and renewal. The team strongly encourages applicants to apply for an FWO grant, with support from Prof. Dr Joost Wauters and colleagues. KU Leuven also emphasizes an inclusive and socially safe environment.

To apply, candidates should submit their CV, letter of application, overview of study results, PDF master’s thesis and contact details for 2–3 references via the KU Leuven application portal before the deadline.