Bioprinting of vascularized, myogenic tissue with hybrid nanocomposites

The successful candidate will conduct PhD research under the supervision of Prof. Heidi Declercq, Prof. Wim Thielemans and Prof. Carmen Bartic. You will play an active role in the research team, take part in workshops, conferences and other activities. You will be based at KU Leuven Campus Kulak, Department of Development and Regeneration of KU Leuven. You will benefit from an established infrastructure for research and join the Tissue Engineering Lab. You will have access to specialized training courses and the opportunity to present your research at national and international conferences.

ProjectThe aim of your project is to biofabricate a 3D vascularized myogenic tissue by using novel biomaterials based on hybrid nanocomposites. Your main focus will be to biofabricate a 3D structure mimicking myogenic tissue by using different bioprinting methods (extrusion, dropplet, core-shell, electrowriting, microfluidic,…) and by increasing the complexity of the biomaterials. Myogenic, endothelial and supporting cell types will be integrated during the bioprinting process to generate a vascularized myogenic tissue.

You will work in a team that will develop stimulus responsive, artificial tissues based on nanoparticle-stabilized multiphase materials and optical nanoparticles, together with optical methods allowing in situ mechanostimulation of cells and simultaneous readout of cellular responses (i. e. , electrical responses, contractility,. . . ). We will explore the ability of these materials to support and guide cell growth by matrix generated mechanical stimuli and to monitor changes in cell activity in 3D cultures of myogenic cells.

Profile You must hold a MSc/Masters' degree in biomedicial engineering, biomaterials engineering, biomaterial science, biomedical sciences, or equivalent related fieldsYou must have demonstrated following skills: bioprinting, biomaterials characterization, cell culture, basic in vitro experiments, analytical analysis, data analysis,. . . You must have solid knowledge of tissue engineering, biomaterials, biology,. . .

you should be a team player with good oral and written communication skillsYou should be eager to deliver presentations (oral or poster) at (inter)national symposiums or conferencesYou should be enthousiastic to carry out visitations to other laboratories for learning new techniquesYou should be willing to co-supervise thesis projects of bachelor and master studentsYou will be involved in education in the Faculty of Medicine. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus. Offer A 1-year contract, that after positive evaluation is prolonged for a total of 4 yearsAccess to state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment (bioprinter, light-sheet microscopy, rheometry, SEM,. . .

) and active collaborations with (inter)national laboratoriesA stimulating, international research environment in an academic laboratory Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Heidi Declercq, tel. : +32 56 24 64 25, mail: heidi. declercq1@kuleuven. be. You can apply for this job no later than September 30, 2025 via the online application toolKU 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. Sollicitatieprocedure Arbeidsvoorwaarden Loopbaanmogelijkheden Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven. beSolliciteer voor deze functie