Vascular and lymphatic complications in Fontan circulation

The PhD project is situated in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at KU Leuven. It is part of an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery and Molecular and Vascular Biology, creating a supportive research environment for fundamental and translational studies of congenital heart diseases.
Research will bridge clinical treatment of Fontan patients and translational research using well-equipped laboratory spaces and advanced facilities for in vivo and ex vivo experimental work.
Project
This PhD position (4 years) focusses on lymphatic (and vascular) complications in patients with failing Fontan circulation.
The Fontan circulation is a life-saving surgical procedure for individuals born with only one functional heart chamber leading to complications in about one-third of adult patients.
You will be part of a project that uses both animal models and patient data to develop a better understanding of the changes in blood and lymphatic vessels that lead to Fontan failure. In this context, you will analyze clinical data and lymphatic changes associated with the Fontan hemodynamics in patients.  In addition, lymphatic changes will be studied in a large scale sheep model. You will apply and analyze advanced imaging techniques to assess hemodynamic and lymphatic changes, using MRI, echocardiography, and histological evaluations.
This translational approach provides innovative, detailed lymphatic assessment and will significantly improve our understanding and management of patients with Fontan circulation.
Throughout the project, you will closely collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiology, vascular biology, and lymphatic research.

Profile
You have a master’s degree in medicine, or another relevant discipline.
You have a creative  and analytical mindset and look for problem-solving ideas and opportunities.
You have an interest in cardiovascular research, particularly in MRI imaging in congenital heart defects.
You have outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, and ideally in Dutch as well.
You are expected to work both independently and as part of a team.
You are expected to be flexible, precise, and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team.
You are expected to work translational with animal models and patient data.
You are expected to contribute to the writing of research proposals and supervise master students.

For more information, please contact Prof. Ruth Heying, tel.: +3216340638, mail: ruth.heying@uzleuven.be or Prof. Sarah Thomis, mail: sarah.thomis@uzleuven.be

You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026.  See website link for application