Diabetes prevention in women history of gestational diabetes

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 31 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-86 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The SERENA study (Semaglutide for the treatment of glucose intolerance in women with prior gestational diabetes: a double-blind RCT) is a collaboration between 13 Belgian centers (University Hospitals Leuven, University Hospitals Zaventem, University Hospitals Brussels, University Hospitals Groeninge Kortrijk, Jan Yperman Ieper, St Jan Brugge, University Hospitals Turnhout, ZNA, OLV Aalst-Asse, University Hospitals St Niklaas, Centre Hospitalier Mouscron, University Hospital Liège, and Erasme).

This study is ongoing, and recruitment is expected to be completed in mid-2026. Participants will be followed for a maximum of 3.5 years. The goal is to randomize 252 women with prediabetes 1/1 to Ozempic (semaglutide) or placebo (both groups will receive standardized lifestyle advice). The study is powered by the prevention of type 2 diabetes. There will be a study visit every 6 months (alternating between fasting blood tests and a 75g oral glucose tolerance test).

This study receives funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

As part of your PhD, you will assist with the clinical research, administering questionnaires, and collecting blood samples from participants at the University Hospitals Leuven. Other tasks include database management and coordination of the other Belgian centers participating in the study. Additionally, as part of your PhD, you will be able to contribute to an IPD meta-analysis on the use of glucose sensors in gestational diabetes.

Master's degree in Medicine (fellow physician), Master's degree in Midwifery, or Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences (clinical specialization preferred, and willingness to pursue additional training to perform blood tests). You should preferably have a strong CV (at least with high honors, >75%, and/or publications in international journals as first or last author). You need to speak Dutch, French and English. You may not have worked elsewhere after completing your studies, as you will no longer be eligible for a doctoral fellowship and will also not be eligible to apply for an FWO grant.

Position as a full-time bursary PhD student for 4 years, starting from August 1 or from September 1, 2026

Position as a full-time bursary PhD student for 4 years, starting from August 1 or from September 1, 2026

Eligibility criteria

Master's degree in Medicine (fellow physician), Master's degree in Midwifery, or Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences (clinical specialization preferred, and willingness to pursue additional training to perform blood tests). You should preferably have a strong CV (at least with high honors, >75%, and/or publications in international journals as first or last author). You need to speak Dutch, French and English. You may not have worked elsewhere after completing your studies, as you will no longer be eligible for a doctoral fellowship and will also not be eligible to apply for an FWO grant.