PhD research hand-foot cooling to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 16 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 21 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-39 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

As your primary responsibility, you will conduct doctoral research in the field of supportive cancer care. The COOLON project (hand/foot
- cool
ing by hilotherapy to prevent oxaliplatin-related peripheral neuropathy in patients with malignancies of the digestive system) involves a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effect of hand-foot cooling via hilotherapy in patients with colon, rectal, or pancreatic cancer. The RCT will examine patient-reported outcomes (short and long-term) and the impact on (dose reduction and early discontinuation of) therapy.

Oxaliplatin is an essential component of digestive oncology treatments but is often associated with acute and chronic neuropathy—a side effect with a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Although hilotherapy is used for other types of chemotherapy, it is not yet standard care for oxaliplatin due to limited evidence. An exploratory phase II randomized study at UZ Leuven (Coolbrandt et al.,

2023) showed promising results. The COOLON project aims to test these effects in a larger, blinded, and sham-controlled RCT. The study is funded by Kom op tegen Kanker.

You’ll take the lead—under supervision—in the preparation and execution of the study, data analysis and interpretation, publication of research, and dissemination of results. You’ll be closely involved in study activities at UZ Leuven and overseeing activities in other participating centers. You’ll be the primary point of contact for participating centers. You’ll lead and coordinate study meetings and will monitor study progress.

Also, you’ll be assisting in education, such as supervising Master’s theses in the Master of Nursing and Midwifery program.

• You recently obtained a Master’s degree in Nursing and Midwifery or another Master’s in Health Sciences. You have an excellent academic record (at least distinction/cum laude in your Master’s year).
• Experience in oncological care is a major asset.
• A strong affinity for scientific research and scientific writing (previous research experience is a plus, but not a requirement).
• A solid foundation in statistics and an interest in further developing methodological and statistical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English.
• High motivation to collaborate with interprofessional stakeholders (physicians, nurse specialists, oncology nurses) and care providers in other centers.
• Ability to present clearly and engage/motivate oncology teams regarding the study and it’s protocol.
• Persistence and resilience when facing challenges during the study.
• Strong analytical skills, a critical mindset, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong project management skills and didactic qualities.
• Well‑organized, proactive, and able to work independently while remaining a flexible team player.
• A 1-year PhD scholarship, renewable for a total duration of 4 years based on performance and in accordance with the KU Leuven doctoral regulations.
• A challenging position contributing to the quality of life of oncology patients and strengthening scientific evidence in supportive cancer care.
• An excellent opportunity for (early‑career) researchers to sharpen their skills. You will have the opportunity to enroll in the Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences to obtain a PhD degree.
• Close collaboration with an enthusiastic multidisciplinary team committed to innovation and high‑quality research.
• Training and professional development opportunities via the Leuven International Doctoral School and participation in (inter) national conferences.
• Access to an extensive healthcare network.
• A competitive salary in line with KU Leuven salary scales for PhD students.
• Additional benefits: paid holidays, public transport reimbursement, advantageous health/hospitalization insurance, and discounts on university facilities (restaurants, sports, culture).

You can apply for this vacancy until February 16, 2026, via the KU Leuven online application tool.

Candidates will be contacted personally for an interview. Interviews will take place in or starting from the week of February 23, 2026.

The starting date is negotiable, preferably in April or May 2026.