Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common orthopedic injuries in athletes and quickly lead to muscle weakness. Despite intensive rehabilitation training, this muscle weakness persists for several years after ACL reconstruction. Previous research has shown that this muscle weakness is largely caused by intrinsic changes in skeletal muscle. However, the underlying biomolecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. This hinders the development of effective strategies to promote recovery after an ACL injury.

With this project, we aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying this persistent muscle weakness following ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, we will investigate innovative strategies that can promote functional and molecular recovery during rehabilitation. 

To this end, a large-scale interventional study comprising both clinical and fundamental research components will be conducted as part of this doctoral program. Patients with an ACL injury will follow a training program combined with innovative nutritional interventions, after which in-depth molecular analyses will be performed on muscle samples collected during this intervention period. This will allow you to develop a broad range of skills, ranging from functional measurements (e.g., muscle strength measurements, functional assessments) to acquiring unique biomolecular skills (e.g., force measurements on individual muscle fibers, 3D cell culture models). The project will be carried out in collaboration with another doctoral researcher. Depending on the expertise of the selected candidate, the focus will be more on the clinical or the fundamental aspect.

You are expected to follow the guidelines of the “Doctoral School of Health and Life Sciences” at Hasselt University.

As part of the ongoing expansion of research at the REVAL Research Center at Hasselt University, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences has a vacancy for a full-time (100%) PhD fellow to investigate functional and molecular recovery following an ACL injury. The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Chiel Poffé (primary supervisor) and Prof. Kristof Smeets, MD (co-supervisor, orthopedic surgeon). This PhD will be conducted in close collaboration with regional hospitals and international partners (Maastricht University, UC Davis), and you will have access to a brand-new muscle and exercise laboratory. You will be part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Hasselt University. This faculty offers an educational program consisting of a 3-year academic bachelor’s and a 2-year master’s program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy. This program has approximately 850 students. The faculty also provides instruction in the interuniversity master’s program in Occupational Therapy Sciences.

Within the faculty, REVAL ACADEMY organizes interdisciplinary continuing education courses aimed at professionals in healthcare and rehabilitation. The proposed research will be conducted within the REVAL rehabilitation research group. REVAL is an interdisciplinary and translational research group that conducts research in the fields of pediatric, geriatric, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biomechanics, health psychology, mental health care, and rehabilitation of internal disorders. Within the framework of a “civic university,” the RELAB platform facilitates the provision of evidence-based advice to individuals with functional impairments, healthcare professionals, and businesses.

• You hold a master’s degree in a field relevant to this project (e.g., biomedical sciences, rehabilitation sciences and physical therapy, movement sciences, medicine, etc.), awarded by a European university.
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You have achieved good to excellent academic results.
• You have a strong interest in muscle and exercise physiology.
• You are eager to combine laboratory work with clinical scientific research.
  
• Experience with laboratory analyses and/or an affinity for ACL rehabilitation are a plus.
• You have strong problem-solving skills, are flexible, possess the necessary organizational skills, and can handle stress well.
• You have excellent communication skills and a good command of English, both spoken and written. Knowledge of Dutch is considered a plus.
  
• You are a team player, enjoy working collaboratively, and actively contribute to a positive work environment.
  
• You are willing to apply for an FWO-aspirant or SB grant in 2027.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
Position for 2 years. After positive evaluation one time extendable with 2 years. Positon at Hasselt University.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
A presentation or assignment may complement the selection procedure.

Apply now
Apply up to 22.06.2026