SAINT project – June-December 2026
The BRAINS-lab at UHasselt is looking for a motivated intern to join our team for the SAINT project from June to December 2026!
The SAINT project examines the impact of high versus moderate-intensity exercise on brain function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Over a six-month period, participants will engage in training sessions at our facilities. During this time, we will collect blood samples, exercise tests, brain scans, and administer cognitive assessments.
Who are we looking for?
Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus)
Background in medical or sports fields (e.g., physiotherapy, sports sciences, biomedical sciences, psychology, medicine, or any related field).
Strong interest in research and potentially interested in pursuing a PhD.
Availability from June to December 2026 (earlier start and later end dates possible).
Good interpersonal skills, collaborative mindset, motivated, and eager to learn.
What does the internship entail?
Support during Magnetic resonance imaging data acquisition:
Arterial spin labeling, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. When? Tuesday and Thursday evenings at UZ Leuven (days and hours might vary).
Support during exercise trainings:
Warm up, supervision and collection of relevant training parameters. When? Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 15h30 and 19h30 at REVAL (UHasselt), Diepenbeek.
Support during cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) and bioelectrical impedance analysis:
Monitoring heart rate, oxygen consumption and acquiring full body composition measurements. When? Tuesday and Thursday morning at ReGO (Jessa), Hasselt (days and hours might vary)
Application details
Does this sound like the right opportunity for you? If so, please register quickly by sending your application to diabetes.onderzoek@uhasselt.be with the subject Internship at BRAINS-Lab: SAINT Project (June- December 2026)! You are also welcome to email us with any further questions.
Application must contain a recommendation letter, copy of passport, motivation letter, and grades.
You will be supervised by Jitske Vandersmissen, Robin Heemels, Dr. Melina Hehl, and Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers.
Applications will be evaluated based on the received information and an online interview. Be aware that the visit can only start after all administration has been finalized by the applicant and the sending/receiving university.
Currently, we are unable to offer compensation for this internship, but we are reviewing budget options for a potential stipend. Travel costs and accommodation must be covered by the visiting student or the sending institution. We encourage Erasmus+ students to apply as well.
BRAINS-lab 