PhD in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Radiotherapy-induced Cognitive Decline

Karlstad University; Louvain; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious university in Belgium is seeking a PhD candidate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Radiotherapy-induced Cognitive Decline. The role involves advanced imaging studies and research on cognitive decline implications of radiotherapy. Candidates need a MSc in biomedical sciences or related fields, along with excellent communication skills and fluency in English. This full-time position offers a vibrant international research environment and access to cutting-edge technology.

Prestations

State-of-the-art research facilities

International mobility opportunities

Soft skill courses offered

Qualifications

• Fluent in English, both orally and written.
• Experience with MATLAB is a plus.
• Hold the FELASA B certificate or willing to train.

Responsabilités

• Animal handling including radiotherapy implementation and MR acquisitions.
• Implement and optimize behavioral tests for cognition.
• Process and analyze histology samples.
• Write reports and papers including data analysis.

Connaissances

Image processing

Rodent behavioural tests

Histology

MRI theory and practice

Group communication

Microsoft Office

Formation

MSc degree in biomedical sciences or relevant field

Description du poste

Project

This project is hosted by the Biomedical MRI group, Department of Imaging and Pathology at KU Leuven. The Biomedical MRI group is part of the Department of Imaging and Pathology and collaborates with the Department of Oncology, the Department of Experimental Psychology, the Department of Experimental Radiotherapy as well as within the Department of Imaging and Pathology to develop disease and therapy models and validate them by state-of-the-art methods in biomedical research.

The project aims to investigate the impact of radiotherapy on brain development using a juvenile rodent model with interdisciplinary neuroimaging (functional MRI, brain volumetrics), behavioural assessments and histology, to identify brain regions most susceptible to radiotherapy and to assess pharmaceutical interventions in minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. We use a preclinical rat model to monitor structural and functional connectivity as well as neuroinflammation non-invasively over several weeks using MRI in parallel to behavioural assessment and histology.

You will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including animal facilities, small animal MRI (7T and 9.4T) and histology.

Profile

You hold a MSc degree in biomedical sciences, bio(medical) engineering, biophysics or can demonstrate relevant experience.

You can demonstrate thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

You have experience in, or are willing to learn MATLAB.

You hold the FELASA B certificate, or international equivalent or you are willing to follow a respective training course.

Taking initiative comes natural to you.

You are a team player with excellent communication skills.

You are fluent in English, both orally and written.

You are motivated to work in a multi-disciplinary environment

You are passionate about science, combining aspects of imaging sciences, cancer research and neuroscience

You should have experience in at least one of the following fields

• Experience in image processing and/or
• Familiar with rodent behavioural tests and/or
• Experience in histology and/or
• Familiar with the theory and preferably practical aspect of MRI.

You will be responsible for:

• Animal handling including radiotherapy implementation and MR acquisitions
• Implementation and optimisation of behavioural tests geared towards cognition
• Processing and analysis of histology samples
• Writing of reports and papers, including data analysis and generation of figures
• Training of master students

Offer

The successful candidate will be hired as a PhD candidate. The full time position is initially for 1 year and extendable for a maximum of 4 years after successful evaluation or personal funding application.

You will work with state-of-the-art preclinical imaging instrumentation.

The project is embedded in a multi-disciplinary and international research environment, combining expertise in imaging research, (neuro)immunology/ neuropathology, immunohistochemistry, behavioral testing in rodents, cancer research/ tumor models and radiotherapy.

You will participate in active scientific exchange within the doctoral school, the department and beyond (for example, international conferences).

We pay attention to international mobility, foreseeing research exchanges with our international collaborators.

The university offers many 'soft skill' courses, extending your expertise beyond your scientific project.

Interested?

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title

PhD in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Radiotherapy-induced Cognitive Decline

• Closing on: 2025-10-16 (Europe/Brussels)
• Closing on: 2025-11-26 (Europe/Brussels)
• Closing on: 2025-12-31 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
• Closing on: 2026-01-05 (Europe/Brussels)