You hold a Master degree in Medicine or Biomedical Sciences, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
You can demonstrate excellent academic results.
You have an interest in pediatric cardiology imaging. Previous clinical training in pediatric or congenital cardiology and/or (clinical) experience with echocardiography is of added value (however not critical).
You are motivated, have an enquiring mind and are excited by science.
You enjoy collaborating with your colleagues and external research partners.
You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
You perform your research to the highest standards and integrity.
You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the research group of Cardiovascular Diseases.
You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
You are willing to apply for an FWO doctoral fellowship to obtain external funding.
You will collaborate with other members of the research unit.
You will be expected to develop expertise in areas necessary for successful progress of your project.
You will be expected to present your work at conferences, lab meeting, and departmental meetings.You will conduct translational research in adolescent patients born with a small, borderline or hypoplastic left ventricles. Among other techniques, you will use innovative high frame rate ultrasound technology to assess myocardial stiffness in patients born along the coarctation to hypoplastic left heart spectrum. The goal is to assess the clinical value of these measurements by evaluating associations to functional outcome in a cross-sectional study, in both patients with a biventricular and a univentricular trajectory. Additionally we will explore the mechanics of these hearts by relating myocardial characteristics to arterial properties. This project provides a unique opportunity to perform clinical and translation research at KU Leuven. Our research group focuses on myocardial mechanics and growth in pediatric and congenital heart disease, with a focus on small left ventricles. Our approach is multiscale, combining innovative ultrasound techniques with routine clinical assessments and complimentary multimodal imaging and functional assessment. The Cardiovascular Developmental Biology and Congenital Cardiology research units in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences of KU Leuven are (jointly) looking for a full-time (100%) PhD candidate for a project on diastolic function in borderline small and hypoplastic ventricles. The University: KU Leuven offers a stimulating environment for international students and support for junior scientists to achieve their ambitions and in career development. The Department of Cardiovascular Sciences: The Department is situated on the Biomedical Campus of KU Leuven. It has the entire range of competences from basic science, over preclinical modeling to applied clinical and epidemiological research, taking a systems approach to the complexity of cardiovascular disorders.
We offer a 4-year PhD position (starting date between March and October 2026).