PhD Position: Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Gestational Diabetes (ELYSA Consortium) KU Leuven in Belgium

This PhD position at KU Leuven is part of the ELYSA consortium, an international research initiative focused on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The project is coordinated by Prof. dr. Katrien Fouzia Benhalima, a leading expert in diabetes and pregnancy, and is based in the Department of Clinical & Experimental Endocrinology at KU Leuven, Belgium.

The ELYSA project aims to address key questions about the efficacy of CGM in improving glycaemic control, reducing pregnancy complications, and optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with GDM. The consortium brings together randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies from around the world, enabling high-quality individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses. The research will also explore the use of machine learning to analyze raw CGM data, identify novel glycaemic phenotypes, and inform evidence-based guidelines for CGM use in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

As a PhD student, you will contribute to systematic literature reviews, coordinate international collaborations, manage data transfer and harmonization, and perform advanced statistical analyses. You will also have the opportunity to conduct secondary analyses on existing datasets from Prof. Benhalima's research group, including the BEDIP and CORDELIA studies. The position offers a unique blend of clinical and analytical research, with a strong focus on biostatistics, machine learning, and public health impact.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Medicine, Midwifery, or Biomedical Sciences (with a clinical focus), have a strong academic record (high distinction, >75%, and/or relevant publications), and be fluent in Dutch and English. Preference is given to candidates within one year of graduation to ensure eligibility for an FWO grant. The position is fully funded as a four-year doctoral scholarship, starting 1 September 2026.

KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Katrien Benhalima at [email protected] or [email protected]. Application deadline is 26 June 2026. Apply via the KU Leuven job portal.