Joint Ph D position: Predictive models for early childhood obesity

The Department of Development and Regeneration is the home of academics that focus on stem cell and developmental biology, human reproduction, pre-and postnatal development and growth, and the wide scope of developmental and regenerative medicine. We aim to INTEGRATE multi-disciplinary basic, translational and biomedical research and become an effective platform for conducting premier bench to bed and bed to bench research; to BUILD inter- and transdisciplinary research collaborations within and outside of the department aiming for breakthrough science ; to DEVELOP tertiary and investigational health care, to provide patients with innovative therapies including cell-based therapies and tissue engineered solutions; to PROMOTE patient-centered and patient-driven innovative health care within a broad and topical socio-economic context; to TRAIN scientists in developmental and regenerative medicine and offer top education to prepare the next generation of researchers and clinicians for their role in society and the scientific community. The research at the cluster of Woman & Child deals with both basic, translational and clinical science in women’s, fetus’ and children’s health. REALIFE (REproduction And LIFEstyle for healthier families) is an interdisciplinary research group aiming to enhance the health of future generations and reduce the intergenerational burden of maternal obesity. We develop strategies to effectively improve perinatal lifestyle and wellbeing in mothers, fathers and children.The overall goal of REALIFE is to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of physical and psychosocial health before, during, between and after pregnancies on reproductive outcomes, and to develop approaches that could lead to the early prevention of chronic diseases, both mental and physical, in families. We have the ambition to implement our research into real life, taking into account the specific context of expecting families and in collaboration with non-academic stakeholders. Our research methodology includes randomized controlled lifestyle interventions, longitudinal follow-up studies in women of reproductive age and their families, as well as epidemiological studies. We also use a qualitative approach for a more in depth analysis of the women and families, as well as the healthcare providers’ and policymakers’ perspective.

Prof. dr. Annick Bogaerts is associated Professor of Midwifery Sciences and PI of the REALIFE research group. Both her teaching and research focus on perinatal epidemiology related to maternal and childhood obesity, developing & testing app supported lifestyle interventions in randomized controlled trials including longitudinal follow-up studies.

Project

We welcome applications from individuals of any nationality and background, provided they meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must possess a MSc or an equivalent degree in a relevant field such as medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology, public health, epidemiology, social sciences or a related discipline; or you will obtain this degree before September 30, 2024;
• Applicants must not hold a Ph D degree or have successfully defended a Ph D.
• Applicants must not have lived or conducted their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months within the three years immediately preceding the recruitment date. Exceptions include compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and periods spent in the process of obtaining refugee status.
• Applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Ph D program at (KU Leuven) and (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam).
• Applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (proof of B2 level or equivalent)
• Applicants must have a strong background in statistical/epidemiolgical analysis (experience with longitudinal data is a plus) and demonstrated proficiency in using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R);
• Applicants must have good analytical, writing, and presenting skills;
• Applicants must be eager to learn new things, highly conscientious, flexible, and possess a collaborative attitude.
• Willingness to learn Dutch is desirable.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for an additional 3 years (4 years in total). Preferably, the appointment will start on March 1, 2025. Selected candidates will be offered a competitive salary aligned with the MSCA-JD regulations for Doctoral Researchers. The exact net salary will be determined at the time of appointment, taking into account local tax laws, employer costs, social security contributions and whether or not the candidate is eligible for a family allowance. The salary package always includes a living allowance and a mobility allowance.

For more information please contact Mrs. Alice Cavolo, tel.: +32 16 32 36 88, mail: alice.cavolo@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Annick Bogaerts, tel.: +32 16 19 31 27, mail: annick.bogaerts@kuleuven.be.

Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds

Locatie : Leuven

Solliciteren tot en met:
30/09/2024 23:59 CET

Tags: Ontwikkeling en Regeneratie