PhD position on the PRISCILA project

We are looking for a PhD student for the PRISCILA project. You must be fluent in Dutch.
The Department of Endocrinology has a large multidisciplinary team of study nurses, clinical research assistants, diabetes educators, dieticians, and psychologists. Several members of the clinical department also conduct fundamental research at the Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology at KU Leuven. Prof. K. Benhalima is an international expert in the field of diabetes and pregnancy. Prof. K. Benhalima has completed a large-scale Belgian multicenter study in which 2,000 pregnant women were recruited at an early stage of pregnancy with the aim of comparing different screening strategies for gestational diabetes (the BEDIP-N study). This is the largest study on gestational diabetes ever conducted in Belgium. Based on this research, new guidelines for screening for gestational diabetes have been developed in Belgium. Other research themes of Prof. K. Benhalima include pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy, new technologies (such as glucose sensors and smart insulin pumps), prevention of type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes in young adults. Currently, six doctoral students are working in Prof. K. Benhalima’s research group.

Project

The PRISCILA project is funded by an ERC Starting Grant.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the most common medical complication during pregnancy; it increases the risk of pregnancy complications and leads to an increased cardiometabolic risk for both mother and child in the long term. The current approach to GDM is based on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, despite the heterogeneity in the etiology of the condition. Moreover, current risk stratification strategies are of limited value for clinical decision-making. A detailed characterization of the etiological subtypes of GDM is of crucial importance to (1) understand the underlying pathophysiology and the associated differences in complication risks and (2) lay the foundation for precision approaches to risk stratification and treatment.  My hypothesis is that a new form of risk stratification can be developed by accurately characterizing the different GDM subtypes. This is achieved through the integration—via artificial intelligence (AI)—of a large dataset comprising clinical and biochemical characteristics, continuous glucose monitoring data, novel biomarkers, metabolomics data, and polygenic risk scores. Within the framework of the PRISCILA project, I will assemble a large cohort of GDM patients (including a large group diagnosed early in pregnancy). In doing so, both established and innovative risk predictors will be collected prospectively, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This yields an unprecedented multidimensional dataset that enables deep phenotyping of patients. I will analyze the data using AI to identify relevant associations with clinical outcomes and compare a new AI-based risk algorithm with the current stratification strategy. This project will provide important new insights into the characteristics, pathophysiology, and complication risks of the various GDM subtypes. This knowledge is also highly valuable for other research areas focusing on the development of new risk prediction models integrating AI and precision biomarkers. If successful, this will lead to a paradigm shift, allowing the treatment of GDM to be better tailored to the individual patient.

A large-scale prospective cohort study will be conducted involving 1,000 women with gestational diabetes (GDM), of whom at least 40% have early-onset GDM. This is a multicenter study with the participation of at least 14 Belgian hospitals. The women will be followed from the beginning of pregnancy until one year after delivery, allowing for the detailed and prospective collection of clinical and biochemical data. This includes, among other things, fetal ultrasound data, an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose (performed at early and late stages of pregnancy, and 3 and 12 months after delivery), various validated indices for insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, HbA1c, the lipid profile, continuous glucose monitoring data, metabolomics, NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test for calculating polygenic risk scores), and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1). The diagnosis of GDM is made at an early stage of pregnancy based on higher cutoff values ​​than at a later stage, in accordance with the Flemish guidelines for GDM screening. For the sake of uniformity and cost savings, laboratory analyses are performed centrally at the UZ Leuven laboratory, and blood samples are temporarily stored in our existing biobank.

For the data analyses, you will primarily focus on new biomarkers, polygenic risk scores, and metabolomics. As part of your PhD, you will support the study visits by assisting with clinical research, administering questionnaires, and collecting blood samples from participants at UZ Leuven. You will also help with database management and the coordination of the other Belgian centers participating in the study.

In addition, as part of your PhD, you will have the opportunity to perform secondary analyses on various completed studies by K. Benhalima’s research group (such as the follow-up study of the BEDIP cohort, in which long-term metabolic risk in mothers and children is converted in relation to different degrees of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, and secondary analyses on the CORDELIA trial, an RCT comparing CGM with capillary glucose monitoring in pregnant women with GDM).

Profile

Master’s degree in Medicine, Midwifery, or Biomedical Sciences (preferably with a clinical focus; willingness to complete the MLT training for blood collection is required). We are looking for candidates with excellent academic results. To be eligible for an FWO grant, you preferably graduated less than a year ago.

You speak Dutch and English fluently. We are looking for someone with a strong interest in clinical research who enjoys working with data and combines both analytical and clinical aspects.

Offer

Position as a full-time doctoral scholarship holder for 4 years, to start from late 2026 or early 2027.

Interested?

More information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Katrien Fouzia Benhalima, email: katrien.benhalima@uzleuven.be

You can apply for this vacancy until 30/09/2026 via our online application system.

KU Leuven aims to be an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe community. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential in an ambitious research and teaching environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, among other things, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national origin, skin colour, religious belief, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socio-economic status. If you have questions about accessibility or available support, we are happy to assist you at this email address .

• Application procedure
• Employment conditions
• Career opportunities

Do you have a question about the online application procedure? Consult our frequently asked questions or send an email to solliciteren@kuleuven.be