Research professor in Experimental Biophysics (BOFZAP)
KU Leuven is an autonomous university founded in 1425, born of and growing within the Catholic tradition.
The Science, Engineering and Technology Group, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy invites scholars to apply for a full‑time research professorship in Experimental Biophysics. This position is funded by the Special Research Fund (BOFZAP) established by the Flemish Government.
The Department hosts a vibrant community of roughly 400 researchers working across the full spectrum of physics – from the smallest constituents of matter to the largest structures in the universe. Organized into seven research units, the Department pursues a research strategy built around four major initiatives, including a strong focus on the Physics of Life, which studies the physical principles underlying living systems. The advertised position is intended to strengthen this Departmental “Physics of Life” research initiative by fostering a competitive and internationally visible research program in the interdisciplinary field of molecular and cellular biophysics.
We are looking for motivated and internationally oriented candidates with an excellent research record and educational competence in experimental molecular and cellular biophysics. The appointment is expected to start on September 1, 2027.
Responsibilities
Research
It is part of the assignment of the appointed candidate to develop, within the domain of experimental biophysics, an international, competitive research programme, to pursue excellent scientific results at an international level and to support and promote national and international research partnerships. The candidate must have a strong research profile or the potential to develop one. The candidate should be multidisciplinary and willing to cooperate intensively with other researchers and research units at KU Leuven.
Internationally oriented, conducting a forefront research program that develops and applies innovative experimental techniques to study and characterize the structure and behaviour of living systems from a physic’s perspective.
Establishes and leads an independent research group within the Department and the Laboratory of Soft Matter and Biophysics.
Plays a central role in building interdisciplinary collaborations within KU Leuven, including the Departments of Chemistry and Biology, biomedical research groups in the Faculties of Medicine and Bioscience Engineering, as well as with partners abroad.
Has a strong interest in fundamental research, while also valuing applied research programs addressing societal challenges.
Supervises master students, Ph.D. candidates, and postdoctoral researchers at the highest international level.
Actively seeks and secures competitive research funding from national and international agencies and prepares high‑quality research proposals to support these efforts.
Teaching
Although the position is a research professorship at start, the candidate is expected to gradually contribute to state‑of‑the‑art teaching.
The successful candidate will contribute actively to the Department’s teaching mission, with a focus on providing high‑quality physics education to a broad and diverse group of students, including those enrolled in Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences. The ability to communicate core physical principles clearly and engagingly to students with diverse backgrounds is crucial.
Teach physics courses tailored to students in chemistry and life‑science programmes.
Only if applicable for BOF-ZAP: develop new course materials and actively contribute to curriculum development.
Demonstrate how physical reasoning underpins chemical, biological, and physiological processes.
Integrate cross‑disciplinary examples that highlight the central role of physics in contemporary science.
Service
Scientific, societal, and internal services (administrative or institutional) are also part of the assignment. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the academic community and the broader scientific landscape by:
Taking on service roles within the Department, Faculty, and University, contributing to strategic planning, educational committee work, and the development of shared research infrastructure.
Promoting the visibility of the Department’s biophysics activities through outreach, science communication, and engagement with scientific stakeholders.
Strengthening KU Leuven’s international profile by participating in scientific networks, organizing workshops or conferences, and serving on editorial boards or scientific advisory panels.
Actively contributing to a collegial and collaborative departmental culture, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and education.
Requirements
A Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related discipline, with a strong background relevant to molecular or cellular biophysics. Recent PhDs should support their research and growth potential with academic references.
Demonstrated research excellence in experimental biophysics, evidenced by innovative experimental work and a clear scientific vision and research integrity.
A strong international academic track record, including high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications and recognized contributions to the field.
Proven ability to conduct independent research, attracting research funding and developing a competitive, externally funded research program.
Commitment to high‑level teaching, mentoring, and engagement with students across Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.
Strong communication skills and readiness to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations within KU Leuven and internationally.
Excellent spoken and written English. The official administrative language used at KU Leuven is Dutch; if you do not speak Dutch (or not well) at the start of employment, KU Leuven will provide language training to enable participation in administrative meetings. Before teaching courses in Dutch or English, you will be given the opportunity to learn Dutch or English to the required standard.
Offer
Full‑time employment in an intellectually challenging environment at a research‑intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research.
Depending on qualifications, appointment to one of the senior academic staff grades: assistant professor, associate professor, professor, or full professor. Junior researchers are initially appointed as assistant professor on a 5‑year tenure track, after which they may be promoted to associate professor.
Work in Leuven, a historic and dynamic city in the heart of Belgium, within twenty minutes of Brussels and less than two hours from Paris, London, and Amsterdam.
Support for foreign professors and families, including immigration and administration, housing, childcare, learning Dutch, partner career coaching, and more.
A starting grant of €110,000 to facilitate scientific onboarding and accelerated research, subject to eligibility criteria.
Before you start your application, please read the full description of the procedure and important information about attachments and templates under “Call for Research Professorships (BOFZAP)” and “Procedure application and selection” under “More information”.
Contact person for more information: Prof. Dr. Patrick Wagner, mail: patrickhermann.wagner@kuleuven.be.
Additional contacts: Ms. Kristin Vermeylen (kristin.vermeylen@kuleuven.be) or Ms. Martine van Nierop (martine.vannierop@kuleuven.be, tel. +32 16 32 76 98).
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 at patrickhermann.wagner@kuleuven.be.
Job details
Title: Research professor in Experimental Biophysics (BOFZAP)
Closing on: 2026-07-31 (Europe/Brussels)
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