You will join the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Research Group at KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), an internationally leading center in molecular imaging and radionuclide research.
The group operates within the Medical Imaging Research Center (MIRC), a highly interdisciplinary environment bringing together clinicians, engineers, physicists, and data scientists.
This PhD position is embedded in a prospective phase II study investigating the use of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT for the non-invasive detection of endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects around 10% of women globally. The current standard-of-care for the diagnosis of endometriosis is laparoscopy, which is an invasive surgery prone to sampling and operator bias. This project aims to evaluate a promising molecular imaging technique, [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT, that could provide an accurate, non-invasive alternative.
Project
As a PhD researcher, you will contribute to the clinical, technical, and scientific aspects of the trial.
Your Responsibilities Include
* Supporting the execution of the clinical trial (patient workflow, data collection, coordination)
* Performing quantitative analysis of PET/CT imaging data (e.g. SUV-based metrics)
* Correlating imaging findings with laparoscopic and histopathological results
* Evaluating diagnostic performance (e.g. sensitivity, specificity, predictive values)
* Investigating imaging biomarkers such as lesion uptake and total disease burden
* Collaborating with nuclear medicine physicians, gynecologists, radiologists, and pathologists
* Contributing to statistical analyses, publications, and conference presentations
Profile
We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in clinical research and medical imaging.
Required Qualifications
* A Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
* Strong interest in clinical trials and translational research
* Analytical mindset and affinity with quantitative data
* Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team
* Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and Dutch (written and spoken)
Assets (not Required)
* Experience with medical imaging (PET/CT, MRI) or nuclear medicine
* Programming skills (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar)
* Familiarity with clinical research or statistics
* Interest in women’s health and innovative diagnostics
Offer
* A three-year PhD position at KU Leuven, with the intention to secure additional funding for a fourth year
* The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge clinical research with high societal impact
* Close collaboration with leading experts across multiple clinical and technical disciplines
* Access to state-of-the-art imaging and research infrastructure
* A dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary research environment
* Opportunities for scientific publications and presentations at international conferences
* A competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with KU Leuven regulations
Please Submit
* A detailed CV
* A short motivation letter (max. 1 page)
For more information please contact Dr. Niloefar Ahmadi Bidakhvidi, mail: niloefar.ahmadibidakhvidi@uzleuven.be
You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026 via the online application tool.
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.
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