项目介绍

2026年6月1日

Are you a motivated recent graduate with a master’s degree in Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field? Are you interested in understanding how movement patterns influence joint health and contribute to the development and progression of osteoarthritis?
Join the ERC-funded OA-CONNECT project, where we investigate a fundamental and unresolved question: why does mechanical loading—normally essential for cartilage health—become harmful in osteoarthritis (OA)?
Project context
OA-CONNECT is a multidisciplinary research program that connects joint biomechanics to cellular processes through a multiscale approach. By integrating in vitro, in silico, and in vivo methodologies, we aim to understand how mechanical signals experienced during daily activities influence cartilage health and degeneration.
This PhD project focuses on the human and clinical component of OA-CONNECT. Through advanced movement analysis, medical imaging, and longitudinal patient monitoring, we aim to identify movement-related factors that contribute to cartilage degeneration and treatment response in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Project

You will investigate the relationship between movement patterns, joint loading, and cartilage health in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

The project combines:

• Laboratory-based motion analysis
• Wearable sensor technology
• Medical imaging
• Clinical outcome measures
• Musculoskeletal modeling

to better understand how movement influences disease progression and how biomechanical interventions can be optimized.

As a PhD researcher within OA-CONNECT, you will:

• Recruit and assess participants with knee osteoarthritis
• Conduct biomechanical measurements using motion capture, force plates, wearable sensors, and clinical assessments
• Collect and manage clinical, functional, and imaging data
• Analyze movement patterns and joint loading during daily activities and therapeutic interventions
• Apply and further develop musculoskeletal modeling approaches to estimate tissue loading
• Contribute to longitudinal studies investigating disease progression and treatment response
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, physiotherapists, engineers, and basic scientists
• Disseminate findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities
• Contribute to an open, supportive, and collaborative research environment

You will work under the supervision of Ilse Jonkers and collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers within the OA-CONNECT consortium.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A master’s degree in Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in human movement analysis, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal health
• Interest in clinical research and patient-oriented studies
• Experience with motion analysis, wearable technologies, biomechanical data processing, or musculoskeletal modeling is an asset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Good written and spoken English, basic knowledge of dutch

Offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position within a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant project
• The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the interface of biomechanics, clinical research, and osteoarthritis
• Access to state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratories, imaging facilities, and clinical cohorts
• An interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Extensive opportunities for scientific training, international collaboration, conference participation, and career development

At the end of the first year, a formal evaluation will take place, which is decisive for the continuation of funding for the remaining three years. 

Candidates are expected to apply for a personal PhD fellowship (FWO) during their first year, with institutional support.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ilse Jonkers, mail: ilse.jonkers@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Lennart Scheys, mail: lennart.scheys@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than August 15, 2026 via the online application tool