KU Leuven seeks a highly motivated PhD candidate for a fully funded, international doctoral position within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) project iSTRIDE (inter-Sectoral Training for Research on the Pathology and Prevention of Indwelling Device Associated infEctions). iSTRIDE brings together a consortium of leading academic and industrial partners to tackle pressing issues related to Indwelling Device Associated Infections (IDAIs).
iSTRIDE integrates six hospitals, one research institute, seven academic universities, and two industrial partners, with profound expertise in microbiology, materials science, and diagnostic technology. The overall objective of the project is to deeper the understanding of different types of IDAIs and develop smart diagnostic tools and effective antimicrobial coatings.
Within the iSTRIDE Doctoral Network, 10 doctoral candidates (DCs) will receive advanced training. The programme emphasizes the development of strong translational skills for careers in biomedical research and medical technology innovation. Training is delivered through cross institutional collaboration, active engagement with industry partners, structured workshops, and research secondments. A distinctive feature of iSTRIDE is that all DCs will complete a hospital internship during their first year, providing early exposure to clinical environments and real world healthcare challenges.
The outlined PhD position “iStride DC01” is hosted and matriculated at KU Leuven focusing on the development of sustainable anti-biofilm compounds and materials for implant-related infections. This research contributes to the development of antimicrobial coatings for the iSTRIDE project.
Project
As a doctoral candidate in this role, you will be part of an international research environment, benefitting from network-wide training activities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and planned secondments to other iStride partner institutions. You will work at the interface of microbiology and material science.
The doctoral research will involve:
- Optimization of in vitro models for IDAIs
- Optimization of nano-patterned surfaces for antimicrobial activity
- Evaluation of anti-biofilm activity of anti-biofilm compounds and coatings
- Evaluation of resistance development against anti-biofilm coatings
This position is offered for 48 months, with the earliest starting date as agreed upon recruitment. The primary academic advisor is Hans Steenackers with additional mentorship provided during secondments at planned collaborating institutions Sirris, UMFT, and UPorto.
Profile
Applicants must hold a:
- M.Sc. Diploma (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in microbiology or bioscience engineering
- Relevant skills such as analytic and quantitative skills, laboratory-based experimentation, and scientific writing
- Experience in experimental evolution is a plus
- Background in material science is a plus
- A solid knowledge of English as the spoken and written language
We further expect good interpersonal skills, the ability to thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment, ability to present work in international conference, as well as the willingness to spend a number of months working with project collaborators at partner universities in this project.
Eligibility Criteria:
Researchers can be of any nationality. At the time of recruitment, researchers:
- Should not have been awarded a title of PhD (Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible).
- Should not have resided or carried out your main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months within the last 3 years
Offer
- We offer you the opportunity to be a part of iSTRIDE, which will not only facilitate DCs in reaching a high level of technical and project-specific excellence but will also provide you with many opportunities for developing skills that are transferable to a broader landscape of career paths. You will have the opportunity to visit hospital, industry and other academic institutions within the consortium. After completing the program, you will have a thorough understanding of the process from research through innovation to industrial implementation, as well as a strong, career-defining international network.
- Working, teaching, and research at KU Leuven
We look forward to receiving your online application including:
- a letter of motivation
- CV
- electronic copies of your academic diplomas and certificates
- contact details of 2 references preferably
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through the KU Leuven website.
Interested?
For more information please contact dr. Ines Thiers, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Hans Steenackers, mail: [email protected].
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.
