Project Overview
About the Position
The Robot Assisted Surgery (RAS) group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the development of advanced techniques for emergency robotic catheterization.
An increasing number of medical interventions are performed using catheter-based techniques, offering major benefits to patients, including shorter hospital stays, reduced invasiveness, and fewer surgical scars. However, these procedures often rely on fluoroscopic X-ray imaging, exposing clinicians to ionizing radiation during prolonged interventions. To reduce this occupational exposure, clinicians typically wear heavy lead aprons, which can impose a substantial ergonomic burden and contribute to long-term musculoskeletal problems. Moreover, fluoroscopic imaging provides limited three-dimensional information, making the navigation of complex vascular anatomy challenging. These limitations have stimulated the development of robotic catheterization systems that allow clinicians to operate from a distance, outside the main X-ray field.
Yet, current robotic solutions are not sufficiently optimized for time-critical and highly complex emergency procedures, such as mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy requires exceptional expertise to navigate multiple guidewires and catheters through intricate vascular anatomy in a coordinated, precise, and atraumatic manner.
This PhD will develop advanced robotic catheterization technologies, integrating novel sensing, control, and instrument coordination strategies. The research will focus on enabling fast, safe, and reliable navigation of multiple instruments under the demanding constraints of emergency intervention. Ultimately, the project aims to establish a new generation of robotic catheterization systems that reduce radiation and operator burden while improving the safety, reliability, and accessibility of complex life-saving interventions.
Research Group
The Robot Assisted Surgery (RAS) group is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research group focusing on surgical robotics, medical devices, haptics, virtual and augmented reality. The group maintains tight and multiple collaborations with UZ Leuven, the largest university hospital in Belgium. RAS is highly involved in various national and international collaborations both as partner and as coordinator of EU-funded projects.
Profile
We are seeking highly motivated and result-oriented candidates who:
- Are fluent in English.
- Hold a Master's degree in engineering or computer science, obtained with distinction (cum laude) or equivalent excellent academic results, in a relevant field such as mechatronics, robotics, control engineering, mechanical engineering, deep learning, medical imaging, or a related discipline. The degree and academic record should meet the admission requirements for the PhD programme at the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School.
- Are ambitious and driven, while being, above all, an effective team player.
- Have demonstrated strong practical problem-solving skills.
- Are highly motivated, capable of working independently, and able to think critically.
Offer
- A fully-funded PhD position (typically a PhD is 4 years).
- Exposure to academic tasks through teaching assistant (capped to 10% of the working hours).
- Embedding in a highly international state-of-the-art research environment in a dynamic team with an emphasis towards valorization and clinical validation.
- Involvement/link to EiC PROMPT project.
- The PhD salary in Belgium is similar or higher than the salary of a starting engineer in industry.
About KU Leuven
KU Leuven is a research university in Belgium with origins dating to 1425. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes across science, engineering, medicine, humanities and social sciences. Its academic community connects teaching with research and international collaboration, supporting students and researchers pursuing questions across a broad range of disciplines.
Official website: https://www.kuleuven.be
Application dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Application
Apply via the online application tool no later than October 30, 2026.
Important Notes
- KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment.
- Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment.
- Employment percentage: Full-time. Location: Leuven, Belgium.
Official Link
Full announcement and application portal: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60752436?utm_medium=jobsites&utm_source=AcademicPositions
Source: kuleuven.be - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 30 October 2026, 23:59 CET. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven?
The application deadline is 30 October 2026 (30 October 2026, 23:59 CET). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Brussels time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Brussels but gives no clock time.
Is PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Approx. €3,900–4,300/month gross (KU Leuven doctoral assistant scale, 2026).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Belgium. Applications are assessed by KU Leuven.
How do I apply for PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven?
Applications for PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven are submitted directly to KU Leuven through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Belgium are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD in Emergency Robotic Catheterization at KU Leuven offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.