Unraveling spatial molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage mechano-adaptation.

The Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, led by Prof. Ilse Jonkers, seeks an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join our team. This position is part of our research initiative on cartilage mechanobiology, focusing on the spatial cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying mechano-adaptation in osteoarthritis.
The selected candidate will drive a project using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the transcriptomic landscape of articular chondrocytes, particularly how mechanical loading influences gene expression in healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage. Central to this research is our state-of-the-art multi-axial bioreactor suite, which allows us to simulate in vivo mechanical loading on human cartilage samples in vitro. This project aims to uncover key pathways involved in cartilage degeneration, contributing to developing novel therapeutic approaches for osteoarthritis.

The Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group is a multidisciplinary team investigating how mechanical loading affects adaptive processes in the musculoskeletal system, specifically focusing on cartilage at cellular, tissue, and joint levels. We were the first to document abnormal mechanical loading in early-stage osteoarthritis, even before structural changes appeared on imaging. Our recent research line integrates cartilage loading with Wnt signaling and cytoskeletal function to better understand the biological responses of healthy and degenerative cartilage. Ultimately, we aim to develop mechanical loading protocols that prevent cartilage degeneration and promote tissue homeostasis.

We will closely collaborate with the skeletal biology and engineering (SBE) research group and the KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics.
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Responsibilities

• Conduct research on cartilage mechanobiology, more specific on the spatial transcriptomic response to loading in healthy and diseased cartilage.
• Design, plan, and execute experimental workflows in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Manage your research project and mentor junior PhD students within the team.
• Supervise undergraduate and master’s students.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and support related projects within the group.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and scientific publications, assisting in further developing this research area.
• Provide biological insights to support team projects at different scales (cell, tissue, joint levels).
• Contribute to teaching in the expertise area depending on the candidate’s profile.
• Administrative and technical support of activities within the research group.

Profile

• You have a PhD degree in biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, or equivalent, as can be derived from the PhD research topic. Candidates who do not hold a doctoral degree at the date of the application closure are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with previous bioreactor experience and/or expertise in cartilage biology and osteoarthritis have an advantage. Knowledge of (spatial) omics techniques and/or bioinformatics is an asset.
• You are interested in cartilage mechanobiology and regenerative modeling and are prepared to support new grant applications.
• You have a multidisciplinary attitude. You will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of PIs from human movement science, medicine, physics, chemistry, and biomedical engineering.
• You are attracted to technology and not afraid of engineering approaches to biomedical science. You have a strong problem-solving mindset, which will be crucial in this role.
• You are creative, take initiative, and are a team player.
• You have excellent communication and educational skills, which will be essential in this role. You are also willing to take responsibility for your work.
• We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies to solve complex biological questions and contributing to impactful osteoarthritis research.

Offer

This position is initially offered for one year - but can be extended with one more year upon positive evaluation. 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ilse Jonkers, tel.: +32 16 32 91 05, mail: ilse.jonkers@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Rocío Castro Viñuelas, tel.: +32 16 37 43 02, mail: rocio.castrovinuelas@kuleuven.be.

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