The Spatial omics group for regenerative medicine, at the MERLN institute (Maaastricht University) is seeking a PhD candidate.

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is (partially) resected in most total knee arthroplasties (TKA) to allow a better visualization during surgical procedures. IFP is a heterogenous tissue abundantly vascularized and innervated being an important source of mesenchymal cells. However, the protective role of IFP in the process of joint ageing is not clear and there are no clear guidelines providing evidence in favour of IFP resection during TKA.

In this project, the candidate would be responsible for the development of in vitro models to study musculoskeletal diseases in order to improve the regenerative capacity of complex tissues such as cartilage with special focus on the role of IFP as a source for mesenchymal stem cells and joint homeostasis preservation. The characterization of these in vitro models will be performed by proteomics, mass spectrometry imaging and high throughput technologies.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years.
• Plan and perform scientific data analysis and experiments in an independent manner.
• Critically analyse and interpret results.
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts.
• Present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme.
• Assist in teaching.
• Co-supervise junior scientists (MSc/BSc students).

Requirements

• MSc in Biochemistry or similar
• Excellent written and oral skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with mass spectrometry is preferred
• Experience with tissue and cell culture
• Experience with organelle purification and secretome analysis
• Experience with histology is preferred
• Independent
• Proactive
• Critical thinker

Temporary employment for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for another 3 years, which happens in the vast majority of cases. 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 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.