PhD position – Biomechanics and Clinical Movement Analysis in Osteoarthritis

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 15 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 30 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

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
• 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.

• 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.

Eligibility criteria

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