·You have an excellent academic record and hold a Master's degree in any area of biology or biomedical sciences. Candidates who have not yet completed their master's thesis at the time of this application are encouraged to apply.
·Previous laboratory hands-on experience with cell culture and biochemical assays is desired, but not essential. Experience with laboratory animals and holding a Felasa B certificate is also a plus.
·You are a proactive, ambitious, dynamic person and show spirit for initiative and problem-solving. You take great care and precision in your work, and are able to work independently but also as part of a team.
·You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
The complex relationship between epigenetic histone modifications and osteoarthritis (OA) calls for a deeper understanding of histone modifications in healthy and OA-afflicted cartilage. Previous work from our team highlights the key role of histone methyltransferase DOT1L on maintaining joint health. However, despite these insights, the precise role of other histone modifications and their interactions in the pathological process from a healthy towards an osteoarthritic joint remain elusive. We focus on novel epigenetic factors and their effects on OA-associated changes in cartilage. Understanding the mechanisms associated with these histone modifications could unveil novel therapeutic targets, ultimately alleviating OA burden and enhancing patient outcomes.
The laboratory for Tissue Homeostasis and Disease directed by Prof. Silvia Monteagudo and Prof. Rik Lories within the Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre (KU Leuven) is seeking a PhD researcher candidate to study the role of epigenetic changes in the transition from healthy to osteoarthritic cartilage. The Tissue Homeostatis and Disease research group: We are an international, young and dynamic team performing cutting-edge molecular biology research in cartilage and osteoarthritis, the most common chronic joint disease worldwide. We exploit primary human cells and tissues from healthy and osteoarthritic joints, a wide array of molecular biology and multi-omics technologies, animal models and genetic engineering, to gain groundbreaking insights into the mechanisms that control joint homeostasis and disease. Our work is published in high-profile high-impact journals such as Science Translational Medicine, Nature Communications, PNAS and Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. We have strong international recognition. Selected publications 1. Monteagudo S., Cornelis F. M. F., Aznar-Lopez C., Yibmantasiri P., Guns L-A., Carmeliet P., Cailotto F., Lories R.J. DOT1L safeguards cartilage homeostasis and protects against osteoarthritis. Nature Communications, 2017, 8, 15889. 2. Cornelis F.M.F., Monteagudo S., Guns L-A, den Hollander W., Peeters T., Storms L., Meulenbelt I., Lories R.J. ANP32A regulates ATM expression and prevents oxidative stress in cartilage, brain and bone. Science Translational Medicine, 2018, 10, eaar8426. 3. Assi R., Cherifi C., Cornelis F.M.F., Zhou Q., Storms L., Pazmino S., Coutinho de Almeida R., Meulenbelt I., Lories R.J., Monteagudo S. Inhibition of KDM7A/B histone demethylases restores H3K79 methylation and protects against osteoarthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Disease, 2023, 82, 963. 4. Escribano-Núñez A, Cornelis FMF, De Roover A, Sermon A, Cailotto F, Lories RJ, Monteagudo S. IGF1 drives Wnt-induced joint damage and is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis. Nature Communications, 2024, 15, 9170. 5. Zhou Q, Ghorasaini M, Cornelis FMF, Assi R, de Roover A, Giera M, Monteagudo S, Lories RJ. Lipidomics unravels lipid changes in osteoarthritis articular cartilage. Annals of the Rheumatic Disease, 2025, Online ahead of print. The Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre at KU Leuven The Skeletal Biology and Engineering (SBE) Research Centre, located on the Campus Gasthuisberg of the University of Leuven, contributes to a better understanding of the biology that underlies musculoskeletal diseases with the ultimate goal to develop more effective and specific therapies. The SBE is currently composed of more than 60 scientists in 4 independent research groups. We foster close collaborations with in silico modelling and with tissue engineering experts, thereby establishing a strong multidisciplinary environment.
· A full-time PhD research contract for one year with the possibility to extend (at least) 3 more years thereafter. The position is immediately available. You are stimulated to apply for a predoctoral fellowship.
·The opportunity to work on a high impact, beyond state-of-the-art project with experienced mentors in a successful team.
·We support PhD students with excellent (daily) guidance and training, and provide the opportunity to participate in (inter)national collaborations and conferences.
·A stimulating international, multidisciplinary and dynamic research environment where quality, professionalism and collaborative team spirit are encouraged.
About KU Leuven
KU Leuven is one of the most innovative universities in Europe. A more than 600 year old academic institution, KU Leuven ranks prominently in the top of world-wide University ranking. Leuven is a young and vibrant, international academic city, located 20 minutes from Brussels, in the center