PhD candidate Epigenetic Biomarkers of Healthy Aging (EPIMUSCO Project)

PhD @KU Leuven posted 3 days ago

Job Description

The measurements for the EPIMUSCO project will take place at the research centre of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences (KU Leuven). The research is part of the broader context of the Physical Activity, Sports & Health research group within the Department of Kinesiology of KU Leuven. This group focuses on multidisciplinary research into health-promoting physical activity, physical fitness, sports participation and sports performance.

Project

The EPIMUSCO project (“EPIgenetic biomarkers in healthy Metabolic, mUscular, Sensorimotor, Cardiorespiratory and cOgnitive ageing: the EPIMUSCO study”) (FWO project G058125N) focuses on studying epigenetic biomarkers in relation to healthy ageing . A major goal is to describe and model the natural ageing patterns in physical, metabolic, sensorimotor, cardiorespiratory and cognitive fitness domains, as well as lifestyle choices. The project will develop different DNA methylation-based (DNAm) ageing biomarkers and test their predictive value for ageing patterns in different fitness domains . Furthermore, the stability of these biomarkers over time will be investigated and how physical activity influences DNAm age compared to other factors. Another essential aspect is to study intra-individual changes in DNAm over 10 and 20 years using EWAS (Epigenome-Wide Association Studies) to identify ΔDNAm profiles related to aging in these fitness domains and to understand the biological pathways involved. Finally, the project aims to unravel the complexity of inter-individual variation in fitness-aging by investigating variability at DNAm CpG profile level and DNA SNP sequence level (ageotyping). The measurements will include longitudinal data of participants with measurement points separated by up to 20 years, and in a subgroup even up to 57 years (LLSLFH cohort).

Profile

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in the field of aging, epigenetics and physical fitness. The ideal candidate has the following qualifications:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Health Sciences or a related discipline.
A strong interest in epigenetics, in particular DNA methylation, and its role in aging and health.
Have the competences (or be trained) to perform measurements in various fitness domains in adult men and women (>40y – 80y).
Basic knowledge of statistical methods and ideally experience with data analysis in R or other statistical software.
Experience with bioinformatics analysis is a plus. Ambition to further educate yourself in this is necessary.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills .
Good oral and written communication skills in Dutch and English.
The ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Organizational skills and the ability to complete sub-projects within the set deadlines.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

Conducting scientific research within the EPIMUSCO project, with a focus on the analysis of DNA methylation data in relation to different fitness domains and aging.
Collaborate with other researchers within the EPIMUSCO project team and with international partners.
Writing scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals as a requirement for obtaining a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
Participate in training courses and workshops to further develop your own expertise.
Presenting research results at (inter)national conferences.
Contribute to the valorization of research results .
Supervising students (bachelor’s and master’s theses).
Contribute to the educational tasks within the Department of Human Movement Sciences.

Offer

We offer the PhD candidate a full-time position (initially for 1 year with a possible extension of 3 years upon positive evaluation of the candidate), with the aim of writing a doctoral thesis within 4 years . Successful completion of the PhD program results in a PhD in Biomedical Sciences .

Interested?

Applications should consist of a motivation letter (including contact details of 2 referees ) and a CV (including copies of diplomas and academic results at university level ). You can apply via our online application tool. The interviews will take place between 7 and 11 July 2025.

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Martine Thomis, tel.: +32 16 32 90 80, mail: martine.thomis@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this vacancy until 16/06/2025 via our online application application

KU Leuven aims to be an inclusive, respectful and socially safe community. We embrace diversity between individuals and groups as an added value. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are necessary in an ambitious research and educational environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, among other things, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national origin, skin color, philosophical beliefs, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socio-economic status. If you have any questions about accessibility or offered support, we are happy to help you at this email address .

Do you have a question about the online application procedure? Consult our frequently asked questions or send an email to solliciteren@kuleuven.be