Prometheus, the division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering (TE) of the KU Leuven, is an interdisciplinary platform focusing on skeletal TE research and technology transfer. The division’s mission and focus is the development of consistent and clinically relevant TE concepts for skeletal applications. Research within this division is translational combining cutting edge developments in research tracks ranging from stem cell biology and nanotechnology to scaffold and bioreactor design, preclinical and clinical studies.
To strengthen the imaging expertise within the Prometheus platform, we are hiring a highly motivated, enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher and/or PhD student, financed by recently obtained ERC and other grants.

Description

Innovations in imaging techniques are fundamental to fully understand the complex events during in vitro and in vivo tissue formation. Within Prometheus, the Imaging Team aims at advanced multimodality, multi-tissue imaging. Therefore, we are developing and validating advanced imaging techniques for (i) monitoring in vitro and in vivo cell behavior, such as cell viability, gene expression, etc. in a 3D TE construct (i.e. 3D carrier with cells/matrix), (ii) in-depth structural and compositional characterization of potential carrier materials and relate this to their biological performance by empirical modeling and (iii) 3D virtual histology of TE constructs and explants to better understand the mechanisms of 3D tissue formation during bioreactor culture and in vivo implantation. For these purposes, the core imaging techniques are bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging and contrast-enhanced micro- and nanofocus X-ray computed tomography. To implement these imaging techniques in routine screening and for quality control, and to get more in-depth information from the images as is currently done, a crucial step is to implement advanced image processing, analysis and visualization tools.

The candidate will join our interdisciplinary research team and will be responsible for developing and validating novel/advanced image processing, analysis and visualization strategies for the different imaging modalities. More specific, he/she will investigate new approaches for biomedical image processing (filtering, registration, data merging, etc.), analysis (segmentation, pattern/shape recognition, automation, etc.) and 3D visualization. Potential candidates should preferably have an BSc/MSc and/or research experience in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or allied disciplines. The candidate should have:
- A solid background in mathematics and statistics
- Excellent programming skills (experience in MATLAB and Java/C++)
- Experience in advanced image analysis and processing
- Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written
- An interest in bridging the gap to the biological/biomedical sciences.

Interested applicants may contact Prof. Frank Luyten (frank.luyten@uzleuven.be), Prof. Liesbet Geris (liesbet.geris@mech.kuleuven.be) and Dr. Greet Kerckhofs (greet.kerckhofs@mtm.kuleuven.be).

Nr of positions available : 1

Research Fields

Engineering - Biomedical engineering

Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)

Research Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Benefits

in Leuven there is a good level of english spoken by entire team, university and ciizens.

Comment/web site for additional job details

More information on Prometheus: www.kuleuven.be/prometheus