The blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains one of the greatest obstacles in modern medicine. While biological therapeutics such as antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides, and viral vectors hold enormous promise for treating neurological disorders, their delivery to the brain is severely restricted by the BBB.
At the Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies (KU Leuven), Prof. Maarten Dewilde and colleagues are developing next-generation technologies to transport biological therapeutics across the BBB. To strengthen our growing research program, we are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD candidate to join our team and help advance innovative solutions for brain drug delivery. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in antibody and nanobody engineering, molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, viral vector technologies, cell-based BBB models, advanced imaging, and in vivo pharmacology.
KU Leuven is consistently ranked among Europe's leading universities and offers an international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment.
You will join a multidisciplinary team of more than 15 researchers, including PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, technicians, and an innovation manager.
Our laboratory is a well-funded and expanding research group with a strong track record in antibody and nanobody engineering. We combine state-of-the-art infrastructure with multidisciplinary expertise to translate innovative concepts into therapeutic solutions with real clinical impact. The Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies has a strong track record in translating innovative antibody technologies from concept to application, with active collaborations in academia and industry.
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Project
Our laboratory has developed a unique toolbox of nanobodies that exploit receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), a natural transport pathway used by nutrients to cross the BBB. By targeting transporters such as the transferrin receptor, CD98hc, insulin receptor, and glucose transporters, these nanobodies can act as molecular shuttles, enabling therapeutic cargo to move from the bloodstream into the brain.
Over the past decade, our team has generated and validated an extensive collection of nanobodies against both established and novel BBB transporters. Building on this expertise, we recently demonstrated proof-of-concept that these nanobody shuttles can also facilitate the transport of nanoparticles and viral vectors across the BBB.
This breakthrough opens exciting opportunities for the development of innovative therapies for neurological diseases and raises a broad range of fundamental, technological, and translational research questions. The successful candidate will work at the forefront of this emerging field, helping to establish next-generation strategies for delivering biological therapeutics, nanoparticles, and gene therapies to the brain.
As a PhD researcher, you will:
- Investigate nanobody-based approaches for transporting nanoparticles and viral vectors across the BBB.
- Design, generate, and characterize novel shuttle constructs.
- Evaluate transport mechanisms using advanced in vitro and in vivo models.
- Contribute to the development of next-generation brain-targeting technologies.
- Publish your findings in leading scientific journals and present them at international conferences.
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of experts in antibody engineering, molecular biology, and translational research.
- Contribute to the educational mission of the department by assisting in practical courses, supervising laboratory sessions, and supporting teaching activities in relevant biomedical and biotechnology programs.
Profile
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic scientist who:
- Holds (or will soon obtain) a Master's degree in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
- Has a strong interest in antibody engineering, drug delivery, neuroscience, or translational biomedical research.
- Is eager to learn new experimental techniques and work in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Demonstrates scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and excellent communication skills.
- Can work independently while thriving in a collaborative team.
- Is motivated to develop an independent scientific profile and is willing to apply for competitive personal fellowships and grants, with guidance and support from the supervisor and research team.
- Is willing to work with animal models (mice) and contribute to in vivo studies aimed at understanding and optimizing blood-brain barrier transport.
Additional assets (not required):
- Experience with molecular biology, protein engineering, virology, immunology, or neuroscience.
- Experience with cell culture and/or animal experimentation.
- FELASA B certification or eligibility to obtain certification.
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
Offer
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- A PhD position in a cutting-edge research area at the interface of antibody engineering, drug delivery, and neuroscience.
- Funding for one year, with the possibility of extension up to four years following a successful evaluation.
- Mentoring and support in developing an independent academic profile, including guidance in preparing applications for prestigious personal fellowships and research grants. While funding for the PhD position is secured, we encourage candidates to pursue competitive personal fellowships as a valuable career-development opportunity.
- The opportunity to work on a highly innovative project with clear translational potential for the treatment of neurological disorders.
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, advanced equipment, and established experimental platforms for antibody engineering, nanobody discovery, molecular biology, protein production, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
- A well-funded and rapidly growing research environment with the resources needed to pursue ambitious scientific questions.
- Training in state-of-the-art antibody and nanobody technologies.
- Opportunities for scientific publications, international collaborations, and conference participation.
- A stimulating and supportive research environment consisting of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and an innovation manager.
- The opportunity to contribute to technologies that may ultimately enable new treatments for devastating neurological disorders.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Maarten Dewilde, mail: [email protected]. (Out of office August 1-22)
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.
