The neurobiology lab is conducting research into the mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition to studies on the molecular mechanisms of motor neuron disease, research is also being conducted on new biomarkers to better measure ALS-associated changes. This research project is part of this biomarker research and will develop new electrophysiological methods to noninvasively map the loss of motor axons.
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Project
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on the development of electrophysiological biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease with considerable variability in clinical presentation and disease course. Why certain motor neuron populations and muscle groups are affected earlier or more severely than others remains insufficiently understood.
This PhD project aims to better characterize motor unit dysfunction in ALS and to develop functional biomarkers for disease monitoring and future clinical trials. To this end, we will use high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG), a non-invasive technique that measures muscle activity using grids of surface electrodes. This approach allows us to study motor unit activation and compensatory reinnervation in more detail, and to investigate why certain parts of the motor system are more vulnerable than others.
Embedded in the ALS clinical and research program at KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, the PhD candidate will conduct patient-based HDsEMG and related surface EMG studies, working closely with clinicians and biomedical engineers to derive clinically and biologically meaningful readouts from these recordings.
Research Objectives
- Perform HDsEMG and related surface EMG measurements in ALS patients, relevant patient groups, and healthy controls
- Characterize motor unit behavior and muscle activation patterns in ALS
- Study how motor unit changes relate to disease progression and selective vulnerability within the motor system
- Contribute to analytical approaches including signal decomposition, quantitative data analysis and validation of EMG-derived measures
- Evaluate HDsEMG-derived parameters as biomarkers for disease monitoring and clinical trials
- Integrate clinical and neurophysiological data within the broader ALS research program at KU Leuven
Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Master’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, movement sciences, or a related discipline
- Strong interest in neuromuscular disorders, particularly ALS
- Excellent interpersonal skills and motivation to work directly with patients
- Experience with or strong motivation to learn about human neurophysiology and quantitative assessment of motor unit activity
- Experience with data analysis and programming, preferably in MATLAB, Python, or R
- Strong analytical thinking, organizational skills, and scientific curiosity
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Good command of Dutch is required because of the extensive patient contact
Offer
What We Offer
- A PhD position at KU Leuven within an internationally recognized research environment
- A unique opportunity to work at the interface of patient-based ALS research, clinical neurophysiology, and advanced biomedical signal analysis
- Close supervision and training by experts in ALS, neuromuscular disorders, clinical neurophysiology, and biomedical signal analysis
- Access to clinical research infrastructure and ALS patient cohorts at UZ Leuven
- Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
- Guidance in applying for PhD fellowship funding from FWO-Vlaanderen or other relevant funding channels
Interested?
For more information please contact Mrs. Joke Terryn, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Philip Van Damme, 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.
