Are you a motivated recent graduate with a master's degree in Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field? Are you interested in understanding how movement patterns influence joint health and contribute to the development and progression of osteoarthritis?
Join the ERC-funded OA-CONNECT project, where we investigate a fundamental and unresolved question: why does mechanical loading—normally essential for cartilage health—become harmful in osteoarthritis (OA)?
Project context
OA-CONNECT is a multidisciplinary research program that connects joint biomechanics to cellular processes through a multiscale approach. By integrating in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methodologies, we aim to understand how mechanical signals experienced during daily activities influence cartilage health and degeneration.
This PhD project focuses on the human and clinical component of OA-CONNECT. Through advanced movement analysis, medical imaging, and longitudinal patient monitoring, we aim to identify movement-related factors that contribute to cartilage degeneration and treatment response in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Project
You will investigate the relationship between movement patterns, joint loading, and cartilage health in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The project combines:
- Laboratory-based motion analysis
- Wearable sensor technology
- Medical imaging
- Clinical outcome measures
- Musculoskeletal modeling
to better understand how movement influences disease progression and how biomechanical interventions can be optimized.
As a PhD researcher within OA-CONNECT, you will:
- Recruit and assess participants with knee osteoarthritis
- Conduct biomechanical measurements using motion capture, force plates, wearable sensors, and clinical assessments
- Collect and manage clinical, functional, and imaging data
- Analyze movement patterns and joint loading during daily activities and therapeutic interventions
- Apply and further develop musculoskeletal modeling approaches to estimate tissue loading
- Contribute to longitudinal studies investigating disease progression and treatment response
- Collaborate closely with clinicians, physiotherapists, engineers, and basic scientists
- Disseminate findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities
- Contribute to an open, supportive, and collaborative research environment
You will work under the supervision of Ilse Jonkers and collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers within the OA-CONNECT consortium.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A master's degree in Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline
- Strong interest in human movement analysis, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal health
- Interest in clinical research and patient-oriented studies
- Experience with motion analysis, wearable technologies, biomechanical data processing, or musculoskeletal modeling is an asset
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently while thriving in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Good written and spoken English, basic knowledge of dutch
Offer
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position within a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant project
- The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the interface of biomechanics, clinical research, and osteoarthritis
- Access to state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratories, imaging facilities, and clinical cohorts
- An interdisciplinary and international research environment
- Extensive opportunities for scientific training, international collaboration, conference participation, and career development
At the end of the first year, a formal evaluation will take place, which is decisive for the continuation of funding for the remaining three years.
Candidates are expected to apply for a personal PhD fellowship (FWO) during their first year, with institutional support.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ilse Jonkers, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Lennart Scheys, 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.
