Fully funded PhD Belgium 8 days left

Phd for Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS22) and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)

KU Leuven, Belgium

Institution: KU Leuven
Country: Belgium
Position type: PhD
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Location: Leuven, Belgium
Funding: Fully funded position

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About this position

This position is available in the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, within the Department of Human Genetics, at KU Leuven.
The project is supervised by Prof. John Creemers and Prof. Anne Rochtus

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Project

Inactivation of the Prolyl Endopeptidase-Like (PREPL) gene on chromosome 2p21 causes a recessive metabolic syndrome named Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome 22 (CMS22).

The syndrome is characterized by severe neonatal hypotonia, feeding problems and failure to thrive in early childhood followed by hyperphagia and excessive weight gain during the teenage years.

Furthermore, growth retardation is observed due to growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is caused by the lack of expression of multiple genes on the paternally inherited chromosome by imprinting defects on the chromosome 15q11-13 region, and has strikingly similar phenotypes.

This raises the possibility that overlapping pathways are affected. We have recently shown that the mitochondrial phenotype in fibroblasts derived from both PWS and CMS22 patients can be rescued by overexpressing PREPL, providing the first evidence for this hypothesis.

Specific tasks for the PhD position are:

Building on data obtained during previous PhD projects on the topic, you will use various molecular cell biological, biochemical, gene transfer, microscopical, and omics approaches in cell cultures and mouse models to identify affected pathways and substrates.

Profile

• Excellent candidate with a master in biomedical sciences or a related discipline with an interest in rare congenital diseases.

• A strong academic track record from bachelor and master.

• Highly motivated candidate, interested in basic and translational research, hard worker with a creative mind, able to work in an interdisciplinary research team.

• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.

• The candidate is able to work independently, with an open communication style, a problem-solving attitude, critical mind set and is proactive and result-driven.

Offer

• We offer a full-time fully funded PhD position for 4 years after a positive initial evaluation. You will also be encouraged to apply for other mandate funding. The position will be based at KU Leuven, where you will be enrolled in the Doctorate School of Biomedical Sciences.

• You will be working in a dynamic and stimulating scientific environment together with a small but enthusiastic team of under the lead of a basic researcher (Prof. John Creemers) in close collaboration with a pediatric neuroendocrinologist (Prof. Anne Rochtus) at a top-ranked university, in a laboratory with a established international network.

• You will receive a competitive salary in accordance with the KU Leuven scales for PhD students.

• You will have the opportunity to participate in national and international meetings, and to visit other research groups for scientific training or networking, if applicable.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. John Creemers, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Anne Rochtus, mail: [email protected].

To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform, and by confirming by email to John Creemers, mail: [email protected]

Please include:

• An academic CV together with a PDF of your diplomas and transcript of course work and grades

• A motivation letter

• A sample of scientific writing, e.g. the abstract of your master thesis (max 1 page)

• A recommendation Letter of the Promoter of your Master Thesis work

• A list of two references and their contact information (phone number and email address).

After this written application, selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

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.

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Applications close 31 August 2026.