Publisher
source

Ilse Jonkers

Top university

1 year ago

Postdoctoral Researcher – Multiscale Modeling of Cartilage Mechanics KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant

Country flag

Belgium

PhD position in Bioscience Engineering focused on gas fermentation and microbial proteins at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant in Ghent, Belgium . The opportunity is linked to the BBEPP Lab and Pilot Facility and sits within Industrial Biotechnology . Applicants should have a Master's degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. The post also asks for experience in bioprocess development , analytical techniques , and scientific writing . No funding details...

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Biology
+1 more

2 weeks ago

Publisher
source

KU Leuven

Country flag

Belgium

KU Leuven in Belgium is advertising a PhD position in a research project on LINE-1 transposition , host factors , and their role in human disease. The group is internationally known for work on HIV host factors , including LEDGF/p75 and Transportin-SR2, and has extended this expertise to LINE-1, a human retrotransposon implicated in neuroinflammatory diseases . The project investigates how host factors facilitate LINE-1 transposition and aims to identify inhibitors of LINE-1 transposition in cel...

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
+6 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

The Francis Crick Institute

Country flag

United Kingdom

Funded PhD opportunity at The Francis Crick Institute with Dr Stephen Wilson. This project investigates developmental biology , genetics , zebrafish , eye formation , retinal morphogenesis , extracellular matrix , and mechanobiology . The research asks why congenital defects of eye formation show variable penetrance and severity, and how developmental robustness influences whether defects appear in one or both eyes. The student will use CRISPR-based screening to identify genes that modulate robu...

Molecular Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
+8 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

University of Queensland

Country flag

Australia

Two fully funded PhD positions are available at the University of Queensland, Australia, in research areas spanning biomechanics, mechanobiology, bone adaptation, computed tomography (CT), medical physics, and MRI. The positions appear to be linked to Professor Peter Pivonka and are suitable for students interested in biomedical engineering, medical imaging, and biological mechanics. The post highlights that direct PhD admission is possible, including for applicants with a bachelor’s degree who ...

Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Medical Imaging
+8 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

University of Miami

Country flag

United States

Postdoctoral Associate in Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Miami (Miami, FL, United States). The Weinberger lab is seeking an early-career postdoctoral associate to join the laboratory as soon as possible. The project centers on gene regulation , transcriptional circuits , gene-regulatory networks , feedback regulation , and the regulation of stochastic expression noise across model systems ranging from viruses to cancer. The lab also has strong interests in developing novel therape...

Cell Biology
Computer Science
Molecular Biology
+8 more

1 week ago

Keywords

Molecular Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Non-destructive Testing
Microscopy
Health Science
Osteoarthritis
Transcriptional Regulation
Mechanobiology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Multiscale Modeling
Pet Imaging
Cartilage Biology
Biomechanic
Computational Modelling
Bioreactor Technology
Finite Element Analysis

About this position

This ERC-funded postdoctoral position at KU Leuven focuses on the multiscale modeling of cartilage mechanics within the OA-CONNECT project, which aims to unravel why mechanical loading, typically beneficial for cartilage and chondrocytes, becomes detrimental in osteoarthritis (OA). The research bridges joint mechanics and cellular processes using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methodologies. The successful candidate will develop advanced multiscale models to mechanistically relate mechanical loading at the cartilage surface to the cell’s microenvironment and molecular processes.

Key responsibilities include utilizing finite element models of cartilage deformation validated by deformation microscopy and MRI, adapting gene regulatory network models to align molecular transduction processes in OA chondrocytes with bioreactor study results, and integrating imaging techniques such as PET-MRI and molecular read-outs. The project offers a unique opportunity to gain unprecedented insights into cartilage degeneration and mechanobiological mechanisms, enabling non-invasive detection of tissue and microstructural changes in both healthy and OA-affected cartilage. The postdoctoral researcher will design, execute, and analyze model-based workflows, apply inverse finite element modeling for mechanical characterization, and integrate diverse data into a coherent mechanobiological framework.

Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and clinicians is central, as is dissemination of research through publications, conferences, and science communication. The position also involves supervising master’s and PhD students and contributing to a supportive research culture. Applicants should have a PhD in biomedical sciences or a related field, strong quantitative and modeling skills, and experience in interdisciplinary research.

The appointment is full-time for one year, with the possibility of extension, and includes access to state-of-the-art molecular analysis and imaging facilities, advanced computing infrastructure, and active career development support. KU Leuven provides an inclusive and diverse research environment. The application deadline is December 1, 2025. For further details, candidates may contact Prof. dr.

Ilse Jonkers or Mr. Ali Elahi.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a PhD in biomedical sciences, biomedical or bioengineering sciences, or a closely related field, with a strong quantitative background and affinity for biological processes. Essential is a solid background in multiscale modeling, preferably including gene regulatory network modeling. Practical experience in in vitro bioreactor experiments, molecular analysis techniques, or non-invasive material testing is a plus. Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, biology, and/or clinical research is preferred. Candidates should have a strong scientific track record with peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations, a creative and independent research mindset, strong problem-solving skills, a team-oriented attitude, and excellent communication skills in English (written and oral).

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Prof. dr. at KU Leuven

University Name
Country flag

Belgium

Research Interests

Medical Imaging

Artificial Intelligence

Biomedical Engineering

Medical Science

Mechanobiology

Mr. at KU Leuven

University Name
Country flag

Belgium

Research Interests

Biomedical Engineering

Microscopy

Molecular Biology

Health Science

Mechanobiology