PhD student: Investigating metabolic plasticity of human skeletal muscle using novel engineered pluripotent stem cell-based organoids KU Leuven in Belgium

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on investigating the metabolic plasticity of human skeletal muscle using novel engineered pluripotent stem cell-based organoids. The project is hosted at the Leuven Stem Cell Institute, a leading research environment renowned for its expertise in cell biology, genomics, bioinformatics, tissue engineering, and metabolomics. The Yilmaz Laboratory for Cell Fate Transition Research collaborates closely with the laboratory of Prof. Ioannis Papantoniou, a specialist in tissue engineering and biofabrication.

As a PhD candidate, you will develop a next-generation skeletal muscle organoid platform derived from human pluripotent stem cells. This bioprinted organoid system will be used for metabolic and transcriptomic assessment of disease models and drug treatments. The research involves a unique combination of methodologies, including bioprinting, biophysical property measurements, metabolic assays, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, transcriptome analyses, immunostaining, microscopy, and in vitro disease modeling. The aim is to characterize metabolic plasticity at tissue, cellular, and molecular levels in both healthy and disease states.

KU Leuven is ranked among the world’s top 50 universities and offers an excellent international research environment. The position provides opportunities to participate in local and international conferences, expanding your scientific network. You will receive a competitive stipend and benefits according to KU Leuven employment guidelines, and you will be fully assisted and encouraged to apply for independent funding such as the FWO PhD Fellowship.

Eligibility requirements include a diploma or Master’s degree from a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland in cellular biology, biochemistry, bio-engineering, or a related biomedical field, with excellent marks. Laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology is required, and experience in next generation sequencing analysis is preferred or a strong willingness to be trained in this area. Candidates should be structured, highly motivated, ambitious, adaptable to diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary environments, and fluent in written and spoken English.

KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, striving for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. The university does not accept any form of discrimination and offers support for accessibility and other needs.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and two reference letters via the KU Leuven job portal. For further information, contact Christina Vochten at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 22, 2026.