Profiling of knee joint pathomechanics to reduce risk of post-traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis following Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction

11 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Medical sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

15 Jan 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2023-806

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, are of particular concern to the young and active part of our population as about 50% of patients with ACL injury can expect to suffer from premature cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis-OA) within 10 years after the injury. The primary cause of this cartilage degeneration is believed to be the many repetitions of pathological loading on the musculoskeletal structures (knee joint pathomechanics-KJPM) during everyday activities. However, the underlying mechanisms of KJPM associated with knee trauma and their changes over time still need to be explored. This is crucial with the aim of preventing post traumatic OA (PTOA). With state-of-the art imaging and motion capture methods, we will first construct a comprehensive and longitudinal joint (cartilage) loading profile of those patients and determine the (proxy)factors leading to pathological force distributions. We will then utilize that knowledge to develop and provide proof of concept for a rehabilitation intervention with real-time feedback on the knee loading proxies adapted to the specific needs of each individual patient. This project is the first step to unravel the factors leading to early OA development. Ultimately this will allow us to optimize ACL and knee injury rehabilitation programs such that not just return to an active lifestyle is achieved in the short term, but also early onset of OA is prevented in the long term.

Requirements

Research Field

Medical sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Languages

DUTCH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

The current position is offered for a duration of 2 years and is extendable subject to a positive evaluation of the candidate.

This project is an innovative project at the international level, in close collaboration between the Departments of Rehabilitation Sciences, Movement Sciences, and Development & Regeneration, and with UZ Orthopedics and Rheumatology services.

The start date is around February 1, 2024

Eligibility criteria

• You have a Master's degree in a field relevant to the subject (Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Movement Sciences, or similar). 
• Students should be graduated by the final application date. 
• You have an interest in working with patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries and have good communication skills. 
• You possess a good knowledge of biomechanics, statistical models, and can work analytically and independently. 
• You are creative, like to take initiative, and are team-oriented. 
• You have good didactic and communicative skills and have a strong sense of responsibility. 
• You have distinguished yourself during your studies. 
• You speak and write fluently in Dutch and English.
• Proficiency in Dutch is a prerequisite for the application

Selection process

Applications will be considered provided they include the following information:

• Cover letter (your motivation, objectives, skills, and experience)
• CV
• Diploma and grade lists (from Bachelor's and Master's programs)
• Contact details of referees
• Any additional relevant information (e.g., publication details, past presentations, master's thesis)
• Knowledge of Dutch

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sabine Verschueren, tel.: +32 16 32 90 70, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 15/01/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/nj6I5xn218cY5n44dhWz

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED