- Reference: 2626
- Duration: Two years, from 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2029
- Salary: €5,053.45 gross per month
- Application deadline: 1 December 2026
Breaking grounds as clinical fellow
The Department of Abdominal Surgery at University Hospitals Leuven invites applications for a two-year clinical fellowship in colorectal surgery, focusing on colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and minimally invasive surgery, including single-port and multi-port robotic techniques.
The fellowship combines advanced clinical training with a mandatory clinical research component.
How will you break grounds?
- The successful candidate will participate fully in the clinical activities of the Department of Abdominal Surgery, primarily within the colorectal surgery unit. The fellowship offers extensive exposure to colorectal procedures, particularly the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer and IBD using minimally invasive, single-port robotic, and multi-port robotic techniques.
- Clinical research is a mandatory and integral part of the fellowship. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and conduct research projects related to colorectal cancer, IBD, and minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery.
Responsibilities include:
- Participating in outpatient consultations, surgical procedures, and perioperative patient care.
- Actively contributing to multidisciplinary team meetings and educational activities.
- Participating in the on-call rota.
- Developing and conducting clinical research projects related to colorectal cancer, IBD, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
- Presenting and, where appropriate, publishing the results of the research conducted during the fellowship.
What do you need?
Applicants must:
- Hold specialist certification in general or visceral surgery from a European country, with qualifications eligible for recognition in Belgium.
- Meet the Belgian language requirements for medical practice: proficiency at CEFR level C1 in Dutch, French, or German, with a minimum level of B2 in written proficiency.
- Have at least CEFR level B2 proficiency in Dutch, as the position involves direct patient care in a Dutch-speaking hospital.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in colorectal surgery, particularly colorectal cancer, IBD, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and clinical research.
- Be motivated to work in a multidisciplinary academic environment and actively participate in clinical research.
Appointment is subject to recognition of the applicant’s medical and specialist qualifications in Belgium and fulfilment of all applicable requirements for clinical practice.
Language preparation:
- Candidates may be given the opportunity to attend Dutch-language courses before the fellowship begins. Ideally, language training should start approximately one year before the fellowship, although a shorter preparatory period may also be considered. Financial support from University Hospitals Leuven for Dutch-language courses may be available.
What do you get in return?
- A full-time, two-year clinical fellowship at a leading university hospital.
- A gross monthly salary of €5,053.45.
- Extensive clinical experience in abdominal and colorectal surgery.
- Dedicated exposure to the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer and IBD.
- Advanced experience in minimally invasive surgery, including single-port and multi-port robotic procedures.
- Opportunities to develop, conduct, present, and publish clinical research.
- Academic and professional development within a multidisciplinary team.
- Potential financial support for preparatory Dutch-language training.
Ready to break grounds?
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivational letter.
- Proof of specialist certification.
- Proof of the required language proficiency, if available at the time of application.
Applications should be sent before 1 December 2026 to gabriele.bislenghi@uzleuven.be.