The Leuven Diabetes Lab, led by Prof. Chantal Mathieu within KU Leuven’s CHROMETA Department, combines clinical insight with cutting-edge experimental research to study type 1 diabetes. The lab investigates the immunopathogenesis of the disease using both mouse models and human studies and applies advanced technologies such as spectral flow cytometry, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics on pancreas tissue.
This PhD project will examine the role of neutrophils in the development of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. You will work with whole blood or sorted cells, as well as single-cell and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics datasets, collaborating with core facilities such as the VIB Single Cell Core and KU Leuven LISCO. Access to INNODIA datasets and nPOD pancreatic tissue samples provides a unique opportunity to study neutrophils in both blood and pancreatic tissue and assess their potential as effector, predictive, and therapeutic targets. Nature Careers
Important Details
Closing date: 18 November 2025
Location: Leuven, Belgium
Employer: KU Leuven
Application link: Apply via KU Leuven portal
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct research on neutrophil involvement in type 1 diabetes using advanced bioinformatics and wet-lab techniques.
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Integrate and analyze single-cell and spatial multi-omics datasets.
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Collaborate with core facilities to apply state-of-the-art technologies.
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Present findings in publications, conferences, and internal meetings.
Requirements
Essential
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Master’s degree in bioinformatics, data science, biomedicine, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related field
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Programming experience in Python and/or R
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Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
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Proactive, rigorous, solution-oriented, and strong critical thinking
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Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work
Preferred
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Experience with single-cell or spatial omics data analysis
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Familiarity with highly multiplexed flow cytometry
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Background in immunology
Terms of Employment
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Opportunity to work on high-impact research in immunology and type 1 diabetes
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Stimulating, international research environment with English as the working language
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Integration into a dynamic team analyzing single-cell and spatial multi-omics data
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Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and flexible scheduling
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Dedicated training programs through VIB and KU Leuven to broaden expertise
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Strong network of international collaborators to foster career development
Application
For further information, contact:
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Dr. Conny Gysemans: conny.gysemans@kuleuven.be
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Prof. Dr. Chantal Mathieu: chantal.mathieu@uzleuven.be
Apply online before 18 November 2025 via the KU Leuven application portal linked above.
Leuven Diabetes Lab and KU Leuven are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research environment for all applicants. Online Application