PhD in Occupational Insect Venom Allergy Research
The Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group at KU Leuven, part of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation (Faculty of Medicine), offers a PhD position focused on occupational insect venom allergy, with a special emphasis on bumblebee venom. This translational research group is closely linked to UZ Leuven and conducts multidisciplinary studies on food, drug, and insect venom allergies, mastocytosis, and immunological tolerance mechanisms. The group leverages unique patient cohorts, innovative laboratory techniques, and a strong clinical foundation to advance diagnostics and treatment for allergies and immunological disorders.
This PhD project is part of the IMPrOVeIT initiative (Improving Occupational Venom ImmunoTherapy) and is conducted in collaboration with Biobest, a global leader in biological pollination. The research addresses the clinical reality of insect stings, which can range from harmless to life-threatening, and focuses on immunotherapy as the only proven treatment for severe allergic reactions. The project aims to clarify optimal treatment duration, frequency, and identify reliable biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response and long-term tolerance, particularly for bumblebee venom allergy, which is rare and typically occurs in occupational settings.
UZ Leuven monitors the world’s largest cohort of patients with bumblebee venom allergy, providing unique opportunities for research. The project involves longitudinal monitoring of occupational groups frequently exposed to bees, wasps, and bumblebees, including Biobest employees. It combines clinical data collection, immunological characterization, and biomarker research to identify determinants of treatment response and long-term tolerance. The successful candidate will help set up and monitor clinical cohorts and databases, collect and analyze clinical data, coordinate sample collection and biobanking, and contribute to both established and novel immunological analyses, diagnostics, and techniques. Responsibilities also include presenting results at meetings and conferences and contributing to scientific publications.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in medicine, biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering, veterinary medicine, or a related field (with at least one distinction). A background or strong interest in allergology, clinical immunology, clinical-scientific research, and/or immunological laboratory techniques is required. Candidates should be meticulous, analytical, organized, flexible, results-oriented, and determined, with good communication and interpersonal skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written, is required. A Category B driving licence or willingness to obtain one is necessary for travel to research partner sites.
The position offers a full-time fixed-term contract of 1 year, renewable for up to 4 years, with intensive supervision by experienced clinical and translational researchers. The research environment is dynamic and robust, providing access to unique occupational patient cohorts and state-of-the-art biomarker platforms. Ample opportunities for training, conference attendance, international collaboration, and professional development are available. The role is meaningful, contributing to safer and more personalized clinical care for people with occupational insect venom allergy.
The start date is negotiable, between 1 July 2026 and 1 September 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and offers support for accessibility and other needs. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Christine Breynaert at [email protected]. Further details about the research group and related departments can be found at the provided links.
