PhD-position in experimental research on fetal surgery.

The fetal surgery team of the UZ Leuven/ KU Leuven has been key in the development of fetoscopic instrumentation, experimental and clinical validation of fetal surgical procedures. We have moved experimental procedures from the bench to the bedside. We have pioneered fetoscopic procedures, clinically implemented experimental procedures in the early clinical phaseup to randomized clinical trials in the field.

In the laboratory you will work under supervision of Prof Dr. Jan Deprest and Dr. Francesca Russo. Our clinician researchers are allowed to observe clinical procedures at the UZ Leuven (>120 procedures/year).

The University of Leuven is one of Europe’s leading research universities, with English as the working language for research. It ranks with position 42 among the top 50 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. Leuven is a pleasant middle-sized city, with plenty of activities for its more than 60,000 students. It lies close to Brussels, at the centre of Europe. The cost of life in Belgium and Leuven is lower than in European capitals like London, Paris, or Amsterdam.

Project

Fetal surgery has become a clinical reality, with level I evidence for procedures to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, open spina bifida and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. All these procedure became possible following instrument development and experimental surgery on relevant animal models. Other conditions that would benefit of technical improvements or validation of therapeutic strategies are lower urinary tract obstruction or abdominal wall defects. More established procedures can be replaced by less invasive, more potent or alternative medical interventions, such as the prenatal treatment of pulmonary hypoplasia or open spina bifida, and cardiovascular malformations.

Our group is at the forefront of instrument and technique development and their experimental evaluation. For that purpose we have an experimental program with relevant small and large animal models, and an up to date and comprehensive experimental surgical and imaging facility. We are at present studying the conditions above, and experimentally evaluate candidate interventions, so that they can be moved to the bedside.

Profile

Essential

• You have a master’s degree in medicine and ambitions to become a pediatric surgeon or fetal medicine specialist
• You are highly motivated to work in a scientific and clinical environment.
• You have an open attitude and a critical mindset
• You have a collaborative spirit, seeing you will be working with other PhD students.
• You are willing to acquire deeper knowledge of fetal medicine and surgery
• You have an interest in the further development of antenatal treatment of congenital malformations
• You have good written and oral knowledge of English.
• If you have not yet a license for animal experimentation, you will take on arrival the course and complete the examination

Desirable though not mandatory

• Experience with advanced obstetrical ultrasound or fetal medicine
• Experience with surgery
• Diploma or license for large animal handling and surgery
• Experience with scientific writing and publications

Offer

We offer you a full-time PhD position within a highly motivated research group of other researchers, both clinical and translational researchers. 
The starting date is preferentially from January 01/2025.

The typical PhD trajectory in Europe is 3 years, although in medicine often 4 years is required to finish the program. At the end of the first year, a formal assessment is done.

PhD or doctoral student positions are paid within the range of what a research associate at the KU Leuven University is being paid. The doctoral scholarship holder is exempt from income tax deductions and is subject to full social security contributions (RSZ). 
A link to the salary scales and working conditions can be found at https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions.

Interested?

For more information please contact Mrs. Francesca Maria Russo, mail: francesca.russo@uzleuven.be  or Prof. dr. Jan Deprest, tel.: +3216344211, mail: jan.deprest@uzleuven.be.

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