Lymph vessel-on-a-chip: the role of muscle cell contractility for lymphedema (ref. BAP-2026-221)

Employer

The Biomechanics Section, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position within the MAtrix / Mechanobiology & Tissue Engineering research group (www.mech.kuleuven.be/mechanobiology), led by Prof. Hans Van Oosterwyck at KU Leuven. Our bioengineering laboratory is at the forefront of uncovering how cellular forces drive microvascular formation and function in health and disease, combining state-of-the-art force inference technologies with advanced in vitro model systems. Building on our recently developed vessel-on-a-chip platform, the successful candidate will establish a novel lymph-vessel-on-a-chip model to advance our understanding of lymphedema. This project is part of a close collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. An Zwijsen (Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven), a leading expert on BMP signalling in vascular development, homeostasis and disease.
Unit website

Responsibilities

You will develop a functional collecting-lymph-vessel-on-a-chip model that combines lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) in a co-culture system incorporating controlled fluid perfusion. This platform will serve as a powerful tool to elucidate the mechanisms of LEC–LMC communication and their impact on LMC contractility and lymphedema pathophysiology. The project builds on a recently established vessel-on-a-chip model developed in the Van Oosterwyck group and leverages an in vivo mouse model of lymphedema from the Zwijsen group, which focuses on the role of BMP signaling components. You will be expected to address bioengineering challenges related to biofabrication, (image) data acquisition and processing, and to develop a deep mechanistic understanding of LEC–LMC signaling.

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, collaborative, and communicative researcher with a PhD in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate brings the following experience and skills:

• Outstanding biofabrication expertise: proven experience with microfluidics, 3D cell culture, and hydrogel engineering in a vascular biology context is essential. Experience with 3D bioprinting is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in (confocal) fluorescence microscopy, including live cell imaging.
• Experience with image processing, complemented by programming skills for customizing or developing image analysis workflows.
• A solid foundational understanding of (continuum) mechanics of materials and numerical simulation.
• Excellent scientific writing and strong communication skills.

The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative team and interact closely with the Zwijsen group. A strong CV with publications demonstrating expertise in biofabrication is expected, and should be competitive for postdoctoral fellowship applications. The candidate will also contribute to project proposal development.

Offer

We offer an exciting postdoctoral position in a multidisciplinary, international, and highly collaborative research environment. The MAtrix / Mechanobiology & Tissue Engineering group develops cutting edge methods for cellular force inference and addresses key questions in vascular (mechano)biology in close partnership with medical collaborators. The group is located at the Leuven Chem&Tech / Leuven Nanocentre (https://set.kuleuven.be/chemtech_nanocentre), an outstanding ecosystem for technological innovation that hosts state of the art facilities for optical microscopy and nanoscopy, micro , nano  and biofabrication, and biosensing. You will also work closely with the Zwijsen group, giving you access to extensive expertise and advanced tools in cell and molecular biology, as well as disease modelling.
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years.
KU Leuven is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a long-standing tradition of excellence in research and education. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings, and has been recognized by Reuters as Europe’s most innovative university since 2016. Leuven is a vibrant and welcoming university town in the heart of Belgium and Europe, offering an exceptional quality of life.

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