The Muscle and Brain Lab (MaBLab), led by Prof. Dr. Liesbeth De Waele, is part of the Department of Development and Regeneration and the Leuven Brain Institute at KU Leuven. The lab focuses on studying the neurodevelopmental impact of pediatric neuromuscular disorders—an area that remains insufficiently explored despite major therapeutic advances.
MaBLab occupies a unique position at the intersection of pediatric neuromuscular medicine, neurodevelopmental research, translational science, and patient-centered outcome assessment. The research group aims to better understand how disease-related mechanisms affect the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial development of children, and how this translates into participation and quality of life.
The group has a strong international profile and plays a leading role in several global initiatives. Prof. De Waele is Chair and co-founder of the DuMAND Network, and MaBLab serves as coordinating center for large-scale international projects such as CROSS-DMD and BBRiDGE-DMD.
MaBLab combines academic and industry-sponsored research and is evolving into a sustainable, growing research group with multiple PhD researchers.
Through its integrated and international approach, MaBLab is positioning itself as a leading center of expertise in neurodevelopmental research in children with neuromuscular disorders.
Project
You will work as a PhD student within BBRiDGE-DMD, an international, multicenter research project coordinated by KU Leuven. This project brings together 11 centers across different countries and follows approximately 150 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy longitudinally using neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and behavioral data.
The goal is ambitious and unique: to develop the first DMD-specific brain development charts (“brain charts”) and to identify biomarkers for cognitive and behavioral difficulties.
Within this study, you will take an active role in:
analyzing international, prospective data (MRI, behavioral, and cognitive data);
modeling developmental trajectories and identifying key determinants such as genotype and corticosteroid use, integrating brain, behavioral, and clinical data to discover biomarkers predictive of clinical outcomes.
In parallel, you will develop your own research line in Leuven, using existing retrospective datasets. You will focus on:
- early signals and trajectories of brain development;
- candidate biomarkers based on clinical, neuropsychological, and imaging data, associations between brain structure/function and behavioral or cognitive outcomes.
You will work closely with an international network of PhD students and senior researchers, and gain access to unique, harmonized datasets and state-of-the-art analytical methods, including advanced MRI processing and longitudinal modeling.
This project offers:
- direct involvement in a large-scale international study;
- a strong combination of data analysis, methodological development, and clinical relevance;
- close collaboration within the DuMAND Network and the opportunity to contribute to novel biomarkers and outcome measures that will shape future clinical trials and patient care.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Psychological sciences (preferably with a focus on neuropsychology), or a related field.
- You achieved excellent academic results and have a strong interest in scientific research.
- You have a strong interest in neurodevelopment, pediatric research, and clinical neuroscience.
- Affinity with neuromuscular disorders and/or developmental disorders is an asset.
- You have strong analytical skills and are interested in working with complex datasets (e.g., longitudinal data, imaging, behavioral data).
- Experience with MRI research, neuroimaging analysis, statistics, or data science is a strong advantage.
- You are able to critically engage with scientific literature and research data, and have an interest in biomarker research and translational applications.
- Experience in clinical research or working with children and their families is an asset.
- You have strong communication skills and enjoy working in a patient-oriented research environment.
- You are able to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary and international team.
- You are motivated to actively contribute to an international research consortium and collaborate with other PhD students and researchers.
- You have strong writing skills and an excellent command of English (both written and spoken).
- Knowledge of Dutch is an asset, given the local clinical context.
- You are motivated to pursue a PhD in a high-quality, clinically embedded, and internationally oriented research environment.
Offer
We offer a full-time position for an initial period of 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years.
The aim is for the research to result in a PhD degree after 4 years.
Interested?
For more information please contact research manager Sam Geuens, 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.
