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Developing and constructing an advanced system for correlative label-free and fluorescence microscopy.
KU Leuven

Developing and constructing an advanced system for correlative label-free and fluorescence microscopy.

2026-07-14 (Europe/Brussels)
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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In the Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology and the Department of Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Structural Biology, a FLOF-PhD position is available in the Laboratory of Prof. Wim Vandenberg.

Project

Optical imaging is a cornerstone of modern biological research, yet current methods face a fundamental problem: techniques that offer rich molecular-level information, such as fluorescence microscopy, require chemical labelling and struggle with long-term or non-invasive imaging, while label-free approaches like optical coherence tomography can image living tissue freely but yield signals that are difficult to interpret biologically. As a result, no existing method can simultaneously deliver non-invasive, and molecularly informative imaging of complex 3D samples such as organoids or tissue slices.
In this Ph.D., the focus is set on developing a correlative imaging platform that combines fluorescence and light-scattering modalities within a single instrument, bridging this gap. The project is multifaceted, ranging from optical and optomechanical designing and instrument construction, to software development, electronics and the development of data analysis pipelines incorporating machine learning. In collaboration with biological partner groups, the developed system will be benchmarked and applied to e.g. organoid models, demonstrating its potential to accelerate both fundamental research and pre-clinical drug screening.

Profile

You have a Master of Science degree and experience with (advanced) optical microscopy. Experience with optical modeling and microscope construction is required. An interest in pursuing the biological applications of this project is required.

Offer

FLOF funding is available for the first part of the Ph.D. Initially, a 1-year contract will be provided which will be extended in case of a good evaluation.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Wim Vandenberg, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title
Developing and constructing an advanced system for correlative label-free and fluorescence microscopy.
Employer
Location
Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgium
Published
2026-06-30
Application deadline
2026-07-14 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2026-07-14 23:59 (CET)
Job type
PhD
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