Isabelle Vanden Bempt

This PhD position at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Genetics of Malignant Disorders offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sarcoma diagnosis through the implementation of comprehensive multi-omics approaches. Sarcomas are rare and highly heterogeneous tumors, presenting significant challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The research group is a reference center for sarcoma diagnosis and has a strong track record in both clinical and translational research, continually developing innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes. The successful candidate will join a vibrant doctoral school (Thematic Programme: Cancer) and a multidisciplinary team with expertise in clinical genetics, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, imaging, computational biology, and preclinical modeling. The project aims to develop a streamlined diagnostic workflow for sarcomas, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) and Multiomic whole-genome Long-Read Sequencing (LRS), both recently validated at UZ Leuven. Advanced cancer genomics workflows will be deployed in the secure and scalable UZ Leuven Genomics Core cloud, with insights reported to clinicians via an intuitive interface. The research will address current bottlenecks in sarcoma diagnosis, extract novel biomarkers, and uncover new biological insights, ultimately aiming to revolutionize the diagnostic process and improve clinical decision-making for patients with poorly characterized sarcomas. The position offers full-time employment in an international, state-of-the-art research environment in Leuven, Belgium. Initial funding is provided for one year, with renewal funding already available, and candidates are encouraged to seek additional fellowships. Applicants should have an MSc in biomedical sciences, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, or a related field, with experience in bioinformatics or AI considered advantageous. Strong English communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive environment for all researchers. For further information, candidates may contact Prof. Dr. Isabelle Vanden Bempt.

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on developing a comprehensive and efficient multiomics approach for the diagnosis of sarcomas, which are rare and highly heterogeneous tumors originating from mesenchymal tissues. The project aims to address current limitations in genetic testing for sarcomas by implementing advanced technologies such as Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) and Multiomic whole-genome Long-Read Sequencing (LRS), both recently validated at UZ Leuven. The research will utilize secure and scalable cloud-based cancer genomics workflows to analyze large datasets and deliver actionable insights to clinicians through an intuitive interface. The goal is to streamline diagnostic processes, extract novel biomarkers, uncover new biological insights, and meet the clinical needs of patients with poorly characterized sarcomas. The successful candidate will join a collaborative environment involving the department of pathology and the center for human genetics at the university hospital, benefiting from KU Leuven's reputation as a leading research-intensive and internationally oriented university. The position offers full-time employment in a stimulating international setting with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Funding is guaranteed for three years, with the possibility of a fourth year, and candidates are encouraged to seek additional fellowships. Applicants should have a relevant MSc degree, strong English communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Experience in bioinformatics, AI, or histopathology is advantageous. The position is based in Leuven, a vibrant city in Belgium, and is available from February 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing support for accessibility and a respectful research environment.