At the Science and Technology Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, we are looking for a postdoctoral or doctoral researcher at FIBEr – KU Leuven Core Facility for Biomechanical Experiments (https://fiber.biomech.be/). FIBEr is a core facility dedicated to characterization of mechanical properties of biological tissue and biomedical products for applications ranging from blood vessels to bone implants. Mapping the mechanical properties serves to gain a better understanding of diseases related to altered mechanical properties (e.g. osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cartilage injury,…), and to support the development of medical products, digital twins and medical treatments. The lab possesses various types of experimental setups & devices, each suitable for testing specific tissues and/or specific properties. In addition to offering infrastructure and services related to biomechanical testing, FIBEr is performing research on these methods.
Project background
International testing standards (ISO, ASME, etc.) are largely absent in the field of biological tissue characterization, resulting in substantial variations in testing protocols and reported properties across research groups. To address this challenge, C4Bio (www.c4bio.eu), an international community initiative aimed at establishing consensus in biological tissue characterization, was launched in 2020 by FIBEr with support from the Avicenna Alliance and the VPH Institute. A first benchmark study on uniaxial tensile testing of porcine aorta, involving more than 25 research groups worldwide, revealed a surprisingly high degree of inter-laboratory variability and was recently published (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.113021). These findings highlight a critical challenge for the reliability of experimental data used in in silico medicine and underscore the urgent need for harmonized testing methodologies and community-driven standards in the field.
Responsibilities
We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated researcher to drive the next phase of the C4Bio initiative. In this role, you will take scientific and operational leadership of current and upcoming international test campaigns, working closely with the core C4Bio team and the FIBEr team. You will coordinate two major collaborative test campaigns involving at least 15 leading research groups worldwide, focusing on planar biaxial tensile testing of cardiovascular tissues and unconfined compression testing of cartilage. This unique position offers the opportunity to shape international standards and best practices in biomechanical tissue characterization.
Your responsibilities will span the full lifecycle of these campaigns, including launching international calls for participation, selecting participants, designing and organizing testing rounds, overseeing data collection through an online submission platform, performing advanced statistical analyses to quantify methodological variability and uncertainty, synthesizing scientific discussions across participating laboratories, developing consensus testing protocols, and maximizing impact through dissemination activities, including the organization of dedicated C4Bio workshops and symposia.
Beyond coordinating these large-scale international efforts, you will conduct cutting-edge research aimed at understanding, quantifying, and ultimately reducing experimental variability and methodological uncertainty in biomechanical testing. Combining innovative benchtop experimentation with advanced computational and digital twin approaches, you will contribute to establishing more robust, reproducible, and reliable biomechanical characterization methods that can be adopted by the broader scientific community.
Profile
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of experimental biomechanics, computational modeling, international research coordination, and scientific standardization, while building a strong international network with leading groups in the field. The position provides a unique combination of scientific research, international collaboration, and project leadership, making it an excellent stepping stone for those considering an academic career. At the same time, it offers broad opportunities for personal and professional development, allowing you to expand your expertise across experimental biomechanics, computational modelling, data analysis, scientific coordination, and project management.
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with strong organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and excellent interpersonal abilities. Depending on the candidate’s background and experience, the position can be offered as either a PhD or a postdoctoral appointment.
Specific requirements are:
- A Ph.D. in engineering, preferably in biomedical technology (not a requirement for doctoral candidates).
- Hands-on experience with mechanical testing techniques such as uniaxial tensile and compressive tests, biaxial tensile tests, etc.
- Comprehensive knowledge of (non-linear) continuum mechanics.
- Experience in data management.
- Experience in project management.
- Fluent English communication, both verbally and in writing.
- Practical mindset.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to work well in a team.
Offer
This is a full-time position for one year as a postdoctoral research scholar or for two years as a PhD candidate at KU Leuven, with the ambition to seek more funds and further extend it. KU Leuven offers a wide range of fringe benefits, including hospitalization insurance, group insurance, additional leave days, free or discounted commuting with public transport, company bike usage, group purchasing advantages, and more.
More information
FIBEr website
C4Bio website
C4Bio publication
Interested?
For more information please contact Mrs. Heleen Fehervary, ([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.
