Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis in GLP-1 Therapy: Linking Metabolic and Behavioral Dysregulation
(ref. BAP-2025-358)
Laatst aangepast: 24/06/25
We are offering 2 full-time, four-year PhD positions embedded in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at KU Leuven, one of Europe’s leading universities in biomedical research. The project unites three expert laboratories that operate at the intersection of endocrinology, neuroscience, and psychiatry to unravel the psychobiological mechanisms underlying individual responses to GLP-1 based obesity treatment across the binge eating spectrum.
The Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (CEE) brings longstanding expertise in clinical and translational research on the metabolic effects of pharmacological obesity therapies. The Mind-Body Research (MBR) group specializes in the psychobiology of disordered eating and affect regulation, with particular strength in real-world assessments (EMA/m-health). The Laboratory for Gut-Brain Axis Studies (LaBGAS) integrates biochemical and advanced neuroimaging (PET, fMRI) approaches to study gut-brain communication and its impact on reward and emotion.
Together, these complementary teams create a unique, collaborative environment combining clinical expertise, advanced imaging technology, and innovative behavioral science to advance personalized treatment strategies for obesity across the binge eating spectrum.
Project
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have revolutionized obesity care by demonstrating impressive and sustained weight loss effects. Beyond weight reduction, these drugs show promise in targeting binge eating behaviors by modulating brain circuits involved in food reward and motivation. Despite their clinical success, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear, and individual treatment responses vary greatly.
This project offers a unique opportunity to investigate how GLP-1 receptor agonists influence gut-brain signaling related to hunger and satiety, reward processing and its dopaminergic neurochemical base, and emotional state and affect regulation, with the ultimate goal of paving the way toward a more personalized and effective GLP-1–based treatment approach for patients with obesity across the full spectrum of binge eating behaviors.

As a PhD researcher, you will play a key role in both the clinical and experimental aspects of the project. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing, coordinating, and conducting clinical research in patients with obesity across the binge eating spectrum.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting multimodal data (e.g. endocrinological markers, neuroimaging, psychological assessments, wearable devices, and longitudinal measures).
• Contributing to high-quality scientific publications and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborating closely within a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
• Assisting in the supervision and mentoring of students or junior researchers.

Profile

• We are looking for two enthusiastic and highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree; a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine/Psychiatry, Psychology, Neurosciences, Behavioral Sciences or a related discipline is preferred;
• Ideally, one PhD candidate has a more biomedical or neuroscience profile, and the other a background in psychology or psychiatry. However, for both positions, a strong interest in integrating physiological and behavioral data and in applying advanced statistical modeling techniques is essential.
• You have a strong interest in translational research related to eating behavior, endocrinology, and neuroscience.
• You are motivated to work directly with patients in a clinical research context and eager to analyze complex multimodal data. Experience with tools such as Matlab, SPM, SAS and/or R is considered a plus.
• Prior experience with clinical data collection and analysis, including neuroimaging or behavioral data, is a strong asset.
• You work accurately, independently, and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary setting.
• You have excellent organizational and experimental research skills, along with strong interpersonal skills to interact respectfully and effectively with patients facing emotionally sensitive issues.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• While international collaboration is highly valued, candidates must be proficient in Dutch due to the need for patient interaction. If Dutch is not your native language, a minimum ERK level C1 is required. If you do not meet this requirement, please refrain from applying, as your application will not be considered.

Offer

• Two fulltime PhD positions (initial 1-year contract, renewable for up to 4 years upon positive evaluation).
• A competitive salary in line with KU Leuven’s guidelines for PhD candidates.
• You will be embedded in a dynamic, internationally recognized, and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and close mentorship.
• Opportunities for professional development, including international conferences, publications and workshops.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• Access to a wide range of training, education and career development activities through Leuven International Doctoral School Biomedical Sciences https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/phd) and YouReCa https://www.kuleuven.be/english/research/youreca/)

Interested?
To apply, please submit your application via the online tool by July 2nd 2025, including:
1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and skills.
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your interest in the position and project.
3. Academic transcripts.
4. Names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted for a recommendation letter.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Roman Vangoitsenhoven, tel.: +32 16 346993, mail: roman.vangoitsenhoven@kuleuven.be or dr. Nathalie Weltens, tel.: +32 16 37 74 86, mail: nathalie.weltens@kuleuven.be.
Interviews are scheduled for July 7 and 8.
Provisional start date: October 2025 (limited flexibility).
If suitable candidates are not identified by this deadline, the application process may be extended.
You can apply for this job no later than July 02, 2025 via the online application tool
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.
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Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Leuven
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Solliciteren tot en met:

• Designing, coordinating, and conducting clinical research in patients with obesity across the binge eating spectrum.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting multimodal data (e.g. endocrinological markers, neuroimaging, psychological assessments, wearable devices, and longitudinal measures).
• Contributing to high-quality scientific publications and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborating closely within a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
• Assisting in the supervision and mentoring of students or junior researchers