Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by alternating quiescent and active periods (flare ups) of disease. The chronic and excessive inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract results from complex interactions between (1) genetic background, (2) microbiome composition, (3) environmental factors, and (4) mucosal immune responses. Despite the fact that the pathogenesis of IBD is not yet fully known, our diet appears to be one of the major risk factors of IBD. The increased prevalence of IBD is clearly linked to an increased adherence to the Western diet.  

The Western diet is characterized by a higher intake of red meat, fast food, high-fat dairy products, fried and baked foods, sugar-rich drinks and a reduced intake of fiber and whole grains. An important feature of a Western diet is therefore the high content of sugars and fats. Proper heating has an important role in the preparation of our food. Heating for a certain time at a well-chosen temperature kills micro-organisms and inactivates certain enzymes contributing to safe food consumption. However, heating may also contribute to possible negative health effects due to the formation of Maillard reaction products.

With the increased incidence of IBD, the fact that our diet can be a potential trigger for the development of (symptoms as flare ups) of IBD, and the increased consumption of sugar, fat and protein rich foods, a possible link between exposure to Maillard reaction products and inflammatory diseases in the gut is plausible. To date, too little research has been done on this, and there is a need for more knowledge.

We are therefore looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to investigate the toxicological relationship between the formation of Maillard reaction products in food products and their local effects in the intestines that could contribute to the development of IBD. This will be done by conducting in vitro toxicological studies with regards to various endpoints (immune effects, microbiome effects and intestinal integrity). Additionally, the epidemiological relationship between exposure to Maillard reaction products and the onset of IBD will be assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaires. The PhD position will be based at Maastricht University in the department of Pharmacology & Toxicology in collaboration with the department of Internal Medicine.

Candidates will be judged based on the requirements outlined below.

You have:

• A successful Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, Food Technology, Food Safety or any related field;
• A solid theoretical background in and affinity with biochemistry, toxicology, and/or food safety;
• Hands-on experience (and strong analytical capacity) with standard  molecular techniques (such as PCR, cell culture, RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry); 
• A real researcher’s mentality: open-minded, curious, enthusiastic, inquisitive and accurate;
• Strong communication skills in English (fluent at C1 level), including scientific English writing and presenting and who has the ambition to share research outside of regular scholarly activities (such as writing publications);
• Team player enjoying working in a multidisciplinary, international and growing team.

Fixed-term contract: 48 maanden.

Temporary employment for 4 years. Before the end of the first year, an evaluation takes place and a go-no go decision will be taken for the other three years.
Each year an evaluation will take place.

Your salary will be € 2,541 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. An 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance is also provided. 

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. 
For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

NUTRIM - School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism 
NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism initiates and catalyzes translational research into nutritional health benefits and risks focusing on metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases. Through its research master and PhD program NUTRIM aims to educate scientists of high academic excellence and ambassadors to support and develop the field of nutrition, metabolism and toxicology within and outside the Netherlands. Sixteen biomedical, clinical, and behavioural-science departments are incorporated within NUTRIM

More information:
https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/graduate-schools/school-nutrition-and-translational-research-metabolism

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology/Department Internal Medicine
This project is situated within the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology where a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists and toxicologists is working together to address mechanisms by which chemicals and oxidative stress alter cellular processes to cause diseases and study the way in which intervention is possible. To reach these goals, the department's laboratory is well equipped with facilities for chemical analysis including mass spectrometry (MS) and electron spin resonance (ESR), the analysis of DNA damage and multiple state-of-the-art molecular biological techniques. The research will be performed in close collaboration with the Department Internal Medicine. The department of Internal Medicine has a broad expertise in the field of nutrition and intestinal health using well-established in vitro gut models and having biological samples of IBD patients to assess the relationship between nutrition and intestinal health.