Explore state of the art (bio-informatic) analyses to understand the pathophysiology of patients with HFpEF in an ambitious European consortium.

Job Description
The department of Cardiology is looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to carry out research on inflammatory drivers of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). As a postdoctoral researcher you will be directly involved in an European consortium funded by the European Union and the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO). Within the project large datasets will be generated from material of patients with HFpEF (genomics and proteomics) that will be combined with an already existing database with clinical patient data. As part of the position, the candidate will handle the logistics of sample collection, shipment and data generation, and will also play an important role in the analysis of the data (e.g. unsupervised clustering of clinical data, and multi-omics datasets).

Previous experience in cardiology is an asset but not a requirement. We are looking for someone with expertise in the analysis of large datasets.This is a three-year position, with a 100% research focus. The position will be at the department of Cardiology within the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML). CARIM is an interdisciplinary research environment where you will engage with colleagues from across disciplines to develop collaborative research and contribute to the active research environment of the group. Also, within the international consortium, you will collaborate with other researchers from different countries. You will have three key tasks:

• You will pursue independent research with the available datasets from patients with HFpEF;
• You will handle and organise the logistics of prospective sample collection, storage and analysis;
• You will participate in the project consortium activities and contribute to the research reports and engage in other project-related tasks.

Requirements
The candidate has a background in medicine, biomedical sciences, systems biology, or bio-informatics. Previous experience with large dataset analysis is a requirement. Previous experience in the field of cardiology, or clinical research is an asset but not a requirement for this position. The candidate should be interested in developing and doing research in unravelling disease mechanisms and the road towards therapy development. The candidate takes responsibilities in research, respects deadlines and works well in teams.

• You hold a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Medicine, ideally on a topic related to this position;
• You have expertise in big data analysis, and have previously carried out extensive data analysis of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics of large clinical/epidemiological datasets
• You are motivated and passionate about research;
• You are open to interdisciplinary collaboration and like to work in teams;
• You are a self-starter and you take initiative and ownership;
• You have a developing track-record of high-quality international publications;
• You are fluent in English (Cambridge English Proficiency, level C2, orally and written).

What we offer
As Postdoctoral Researcher in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) and Inflammation at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4332,00 and €5929,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 36 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact dr. J. Verdonschot at job.verdonschot@mumc.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral Researcher in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) and Inflammation? Apply now, no later than May 17, 2024 for this position. Please upload your CV, motivation letter, grade list, contact information of 2 referees, research plan and publication list.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.