NeuroExplorer PET imaging of new biomarkers for neuroinflammation

The Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging research group (KU Leuven – UZ Leuven) is a multidisciplinary team of doctors, physicists/engineers and pharmacists/chemists. Together with our clinical partners, we develop and implement innovative PET technologies for the study of brain disorders at the molecular level. The research group has a strong international reputation in neuroimaging and neurodegenerative disorders and, since 2025, has been the first centre in Europe to have an ultra-high-resolution NeuroEXPLORER PET scanner.

Project

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in numerous neurological disorders. This PhD project forms part of a first-in-human study of a new PET radiotracer as a promising biomarker of microglial activation and neuroinflammation.

The project comprises:

·       Biodistribution, dosimetry and kinetic modelling of the new radioligand in healthy volunteers, patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

·       Application of ultra-high-resolution NeuroEXPLORER PET for imaging neuroinflammatory processes in the brain, with a focus on neuroinflammation in healthy ageing.

·       Comparison between patients with AD or MS and age-matched healthy controls.

·       Integration of PET data with MRI, clinical data, cognitive assessments and biological markers.

·       Application of advanced analytical methods for brain imaging, kinetic modelling and voxel-based statistics.

·       Active involvement in the recruitment, screening and follow-up of healthy volunteers, AD and MS patients within the clinical trial programme.

By utilising a completely new neuroinflammation target and a unique imaging infrastructure, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of neuroinflammation in healthy ageing and in the disease process in AD and MS, as well as to the development of a new biomarker for diagnosis and treatment evaluation.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline, with excellent academic results.
• You have a keen interest in neuroscience, molecular imaging and/or clinical research.
• You are motivated to work at the interface of fundamental research, advanced imaging and patient-centred research.
• You have good interpersonal and communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams.
• You are meticulous, critical and analytical in your approach.
• You have good computer skills; experience with image analysis, programming or statistics is an advantage.
• Regarding the role of study volunteer and patient contact: you have a good command of Dutch (minimum level B2).You also have a good command of spoken and written English.
• Experience with clinical research, PET and/or MRI imaging, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an asset.

Offer

• A challenging PhD project within an internationally oriented research group.
• Access to unique research infrastructure, including the NeuroEXPLORER ultra-high-resolution PET scanner.
• Close supervision by various experts in nuclear medicine, neurology and neuroimaging.
• Collaboration with national and international research partners.
• Opportunities for scientific publications and participation in international conferences.
• A full-time appointment for 4 years (funding available; applicants are expected to apply for future grant funding).

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Koen Van Laere, mail: [email protected] or dr. Greet Vanderlinden, 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.