Postdoc position – Unraveling the mechanobiology of the OA knee joint KU Leuven in Belgium

This ERC-funded postdoctoral position at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the mechanobiology of the osteoarthritic (OA) knee joint within the OA-CONNECT project. The research aims to unravel why mechanical loading, typically beneficial for cartilage health, becomes detrimental in osteoarthritis. The OA-CONNECT consortium employs a multidisciplinary, multiscale approach, integrating in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methodologies to link joint biomechanics with cellular processes.

The successful candidate will focus on the human and clinical aspects of OA-CONNECT, utilizing advanced movement analysis, medical imaging, and longitudinal patient monitoring to identify movement-related factors contributing to cartilage degeneration and treatment response in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The project combines laboratory-based motion analysis, wearable sensor technology, medical imaging, clinical outcome measures, and musculoskeletal modeling to understand how movement influences disease progression and optimize biomechanical interventions.

Responsibilities include recruiting and assessing participants with knee osteoarthritis, coordinating biomechanical measurements (motion capture, force plates, wearable sensors, clinical assessments), managing clinical, functional, and imaging data collection, analyzing movement patterns and joint loading during daily activities and therapeutic interventions, and applying musculoskeletal modeling approaches to estimate tissue loading. The postdoc will contribute to longitudinal studies, collaborate with clinicians, physiotherapists, engineers, and basic scientists, disseminate findings through scientific publications and presentations, and help supervise PhD and Master students.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline. Essential qualifications include strong interest and experience in human movement analysis, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal health, as well as skills in motion analysis, wearable technologies, biomechanical data processing, or musculoskeletal modeling. Analytical and problem-solving skills, organizational and communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently in a multidisciplinary team are required. Good written and spoken English is mandatory; basic Dutch is an asset.

The position is funded for two years by a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant, offering access to state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratories, imaging facilities, and clinical cohorts. KU Leuven provides an interdisciplinary and international research environment, extensive opportunities for scientific training, international collaboration, conference participation, and career development. Junior postdoctoral candidates are encouraged and supported in acquiring personal fellowships.

KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering an open and respectful academic environment. For accessibility or support questions, contact the provided email address.

Application deadline is August 14, 2026. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Ilse Jonkers at [email protected].