John Creemers

KU Leuven is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology within the Department of Human Genetics. The project focuses on two rare genetic and neuroendocrine disease contexts: Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome 22 (CMS22) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Both conditions show strikingly similar phenotypes, and the research aims to understand whether overlapping pathways are affected. The PhD project builds on previous work showing that the mitochondrial phenotype in fibroblasts derived from PWS and CMS22 patients can be rescued by PREPL overexpression. The successful candidate will investigate affected pathways and substrates using molecular cell biology, biochemistry, gene transfer, microscopy, and omics approaches in cell cultures and mouse models. This is a research-intensive position at the intersection of genetics, cell biology, and translational biomedical science. The position is supervised by Prof. John Creemers and Prof. Anne Rochtus, working in a small and enthusiastic team with strong international connections. KU Leuven highlights that the PhD will be enrolled in the Doctorate School of Biomedical Sciences and that the student will have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and potentially visit other groups for training and networking. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences or a related discipline and have a strong academic record. The ideal profile includes motivation for basic and translational research, creativity, independence, problem-solving ability, proactive working habits, and excellent English communication skills. The offer includes a full-time, fully funded four-year PhD position, with salary according to KU Leuven PhD scales after a positive initial evaluation. The application deadline is 2026-08-31. Candidates must apply through the KU Leuven online application platform and confirm by email to Prof. John Creemers. Required documents include a CV, diplomas and transcripts, motivation letter, a sample of scientific writing, a recommendation letter from the Master’s thesis promoter, and two references with contact information.