Job Description:
The department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering (cBITE) at the MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University in the Netherlands invites applications for a PhD position. We seek a motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team as part of the KIC CircBioCare project, which is dedicated to advancing early diagnosis methods for osteoarthritis (OA). This exciting project aims to develop innovative proteomic strategies to detect biomarkers associated with the onset of OA, leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.

Project Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects hundreds of millions of patients worldwide, with incidence rates expected to rise due to an aging population. Early diagnosis is critical in mitigating the progression of OA and improving patient outcomes. The KIC CircBioCare project, funded by NWO and ReumaNederland, aims to develop state-of-the-art methods to detect blood proteins and genetic material associated with the onset of OA in individuals monitored over time.

Project Aim:
Our research team, part of the KIC CircBioCare initiative, aims to pioneer early diagnostic tools for OA using proteomic and/or miRNA analysis. This project will also employ artificial intelligence, digital PCR, and Proximity Extension Assays to design predictive tests. Additionally, we will explore factors influencing public perception of healthcare screening to enhance early diagnosis uptake and reduce OA development risk.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize tissue and serum automated and high throughput proteomic workflows to study the molecular mechanisms underlying OA development.
• Conduct state of the art proteomic analysis to identify key proteins associated with OA onset.
• Integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to enhance predictive test accuracy.
• Validate the identified biomarkers and predictive tests through rigorous multiomic platforms and clinical studies.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, companies and healthcare professionals.
• Communicate research findings through high-quality publications and presentations at (inter)national conferences.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong background in proteomics, including experience with mass spectrometry and related data analysis.
• Experience with serum/plasma protein analysis.
• Prior experience with TIMS-ToF or other Bruker mass spectrometers will be considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and data analysis tools.
• Experience with programming, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in biomedical research is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Good oral and written English communication.
• Prior experience in osteoarthritis research is not required but will be considered an advantage.

What we offer
As PhD candidate in Multiomics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis 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 P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2872,00 and €3670,00 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 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• 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.

Department (MERLN)
The candidate will mainly perform this research in the laboratory of Dr. Cillero Pastor at the MERLN Institute at Maastricht University. At MERLN, we are a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary group with diverse expertise, including biomaterials science, chemistry, tissue engineering, and (stem) cell biology. We share newly renovated laboratory facilities with modern equipment. We have a long history as leaders in the field of tissue engineering and are particularly well-known for our orientation towards translational research.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Berta Cillero Pastor at b.cilleropastor@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate in Multiomics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis? Apply now, no later than 09/04/2024, for this position.

Candidates can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the deadline for applications. Short video interviews will be scheduled for short-listed candidates. Those proceeding to the second interview round will be invited to attend an in-person interview.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter with motivation and preferred starting date
• Statement of research interests and accomplishments, max 2 pages
• CV
• Contact information of two references

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.