An innovative Doctoral Network
SPAtial single-CEll omics research training for MELanoma precision medicine
SPACE-MEL is an EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network advancing the next generation of spatial single-cell omics technologies for precision medicine. Bringing together leading European universities, technology providers, clinical partners and innovative companies, the programme will address key experimental and computational challenges currently limiting the clinical translation of spatial biology. By integrating multi-omics approaches, enabling the transition from 2D to 3D tissue analysis and developing advanced data interpretation methods, SPACE-MEL aims to unlock deeper insights into cellular organisation and disease mechanisms. The network will train 15 Doctoral Candidates through an interdisciplinary programme spanning spatial imaging technologies, molecular biology, computational biology, pathology and biomarker discovery. Through cross-sectoral secondments, hands-on research and comprehensive transferable-skills training, SPACE-MEL will equip a new generation of researchers with end-to-end expertise in spatial biology and strengthen Europe’s leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
Contributing partners in SPACE-MEL: Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam (NL), University of Zurich (CH) KU Leuven (BE), Intelligent Biodata (ES), University of Navarra (ES), University of Manchester (UK), Aspect Analytics (BE), University of Perugia (IT, ) Università di Firenze (IT), Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (PL), Lunaphore Technologies SA (CH), , Diatech Pharmacogenetics S.r.l (IT), , Sanofi-Aventis Research & Development SA (FR), , Spotlight Pathology Ltd (UK), BioLizard NV (BE), , AtlasXomics Inc. (USA), , SkylineDx B.V. (NL), , AlpenGlow Biosciences Inc. (USA), Stellaromics Inc. (USA), accelopment Schweiz AG (CH).
For more information: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101311007.
Project
One PhD position is available at the Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, within the KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics, at KU Leuven. The project has a duration of 36-months.
PhD project at KU Leuven: Development of novel integrative spa-tial multi-omics approaches
KU Leuven is offering a PhD position focused on the development of innovative integrative spatial multi-omics approaches to investigate tumour heterogeneity in melanoma. The successful candidate will develop and optimize a comprehensive workflow that integrates spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and lipidomics. The project combines expertise in lipid metabolism and lipidomics with cutting-edge spatial omics technologies, including Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI), Raman microscopy, MILAN, Xenium, Visium, and COMET. The research has two closely linked objectives: 1. Development of an integrated spatial multi-omics workflow for simultaneous transcriptome, proteome, and lipidome profiling. 2. Application of the workflow to melanoma samples to generate novel diagnostic and therapeutic insights into tumour heterogeneity and disease progression. This interdisciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of molecular biology, advanced imaging, omics technologies, and cancer research, contributing to the development of next-generation approaches for precision oncology.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johannes Swinnen
Prof. Swinnen is the Head of the Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer and leads the KU Leuven Lipidomics Core Facility, Lipometrix. KU Leuven provides a strong interdisciplinary research environment through the Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), which brings together researchers from more than 65 groups across KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven and VIB, offering access to advanced single-cell, spatial omics, pathology, lipidomics and computational biology expertise.
Co-supervisors:
Dr. Maria Mantas, Aspect Analytics, Belgium (Industry)
Dr. Volodimir Olexiouk, BioLizard NV, Belgium (Industry)
Secondments:
4 months at Aspect Analytics, Belgium (supervisor: Dr. Maria Mantas)
3 months at BioLizard NV, Belgium (supervisor: Dr. Volodimir Olexiouk)
Profile
Eligibility criteria:
According to the EU rules for the EU-Doctoral Network projects, the recruited researchers must comply with the following conditions:
- are - at the date of recruitment - doctoral candidates (DCs) (i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment). Researchers who have successfully defended their PhD thesis but not yet received their degree are not considered eligible;
- DCs can be of any nationality;
- DCs must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
Research Field/Requirements:
- MSc degree in biology, biomedicine, biotechnology or natural sciences, analytical chemistry, biochemistry or comparable;
- Interest in research on lipid metabolism, spatial omics and melanoma/oncology;
- Hands-on expertise in (spatial) lipidomics, spatial multi-omics and data analysis tools is a plus;
- Good command of spoken and written English;
- Ambitious, hard-working and accurate.
Offer
The DC will receive a 36-month scholarship to cover her/his living costs. The gross amount of the doctoral scholarship is based on a living allowance that is dependent on a country correction coefficient which takes into account the cost of living in the country of the recruiting institution. For Belgium, the gross amount of the doctoral scholarship (tax-free) will be approximately €3.120,64 per month if the DC is single with no dependent family members. It will be higher if the DC has a registered partner without income and/or dependent child(ren); it will be lower if the DC has a registered partner with income.
The cost of all training activities, including all expenses related to travel and accommodation to attend annual meetings and other network organized events will be paid by the network through the Horizon Europe MSCA-DN grant. DCs will have access to a dedicated workspace and to research facilities. Bench/consumables costs to execute the research project will be covered by the institutions.
Interested?
How to apply?
Interested candidates should apply by submitting the required documents via the KU Leuven platform. Please note that only applications submitted through this online system will be considered. Ensure that all requested documents are included, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Motivation letter in English indicating their interest in the project and how this fits with their research ambitions.
• Detailed curriculum vitae, including personal information (gender, age, nationality), studies, list of publications, participation in research projects, extracurricular training, mobility, other qualifications or relevant skills.
• Certified copy/ies of Academic Degree/s in the original language along with a certified translation into English, and/or Diploma Supplement.
• Certified copies of official Academic Transcripts relating to all academic courses taken to earn every degree (bachelor/master or equivalent), translated into English, and correspondent grade point average.
• English Proficiency Certificate (minimum scores: TOEFL 79, IELTS overall 6.5, Cambridge English CAE or CPE, ITACE C1 or ITACE C2). Applicants who have obtained a degree in a programme taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America are exempt from this requirement. If the certificate is not available at the time of application, it may be submitted later; however, it will be required from the selected candidate.
• Contact details of at least two references (no recommendation letters to be included).
All applications will have to be written in English and will be checked for eligibility. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications must be submitted by August 31 at 17:00 Central European time. All data provided by the applicants are processed according to GDPR regulations and will be used solely for the purpose of the selection of the doctoral candidates.
Selection process
SPACE-MEL will adopt the Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct promoting an inclusive, merit-based, transparent and unbiased recruitment and attractive working and employment conditions.
A two-step procedure for applicants’ selection will be followed:
1. After an eligibility check, an initial selection will be made based on the submitted documents and the following selection criteria:
• Motivation to join the network;
• Acquired research skills and research experience;
• Fit between the education/research experience and the research project;
• Communication skills and English proficiency;
• Team work attitude;
• Career ambitions and potential for excellence;
• Potential impact of the offered training on the DC's career.
2. Afterwards, promising candidates will be contacted by email after the deadline for application has been closed. It is the intention that the selected DC starts in September 2027.
For more information or questions please contact Beatriz Catalão at [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.
