PhD Candidate - Genetically Triggered Aortic Aneurysm Modelling Using 3D Vascular Tissues

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PhD Candidate - Genetically Triggered Aortic Aneurysm Modelling Using 3D Vascular Tissues

PhD Candidate – Genetically Triggered Aortic Aneurysm Modelling Using 3D Vascular Tissues.

• Our goal: Advance personalised aortic therapeutics through next-generation 2D and 3D patient-specific vascular models.
• Your colleagues: A multidisciplinary team within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), embedded in the HVC–CARIM research environment.

Patients with genetically triggered aortopathies can develop extensive aneurysms and dissections at a young age, often affecting entire families. The consequences are severe, yet the genetic correlation remains poorly understood. To address this, we aim to create 3D in vitro vascular models that help predict aneurysm progression and vulnerability. As our new PhD candidate, you will contribute directly to this effort by developing patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived vascular tissues to assess disease severity, drug efficacy and the potential of gene-correction therapies.

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary setting, bringing together vascular biology, genetics, tissue engineering and clinical research. Within FHML and the HVC–CARIM platform, you will collaborate closely with researchers, clinicians and technical specialists. You will help build a sustainable research infrastructure dedicated to aortic disease, one that connects scientific excellence with active patient engagement. If you are motivated by impactful biomedical research and enjoy working across disciplines, we would be excited to meet you.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your mindset, motivation and potential. Does this sound like you?

• Scientifically grounded and eager to grow – You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (preferably in Cell Biology, Genetics or a comparable field) and are fluent in English. A Master’s degree in Cell Biology or equivalent is desirable.
• Hands-on laboratory experience – You have essential experience in iPSC handling, cell culture and cell separation. Skills in flow cytometry, microscopy, genetics or protein structure analysis are considered an advantage.
• Strong understanding of cellular processes – Knowledge of cell behaviour, reactivity and phenotype is essential. Experience with vascular biology, inflammation or calcification is advantageous. Skills such as Western blotting, qPCR and ELISA are desirable.
• Analytical and communicative – You interpret scientific literature with ease, understand research workflows and maintain accurate records. You communicate clearly and work well with colleagues across the project.
• Organised and proactive – You can set priorities, manage your own work effectively and help coordinate activities across the project team.
• Curious and collaborative – You bring a flexible, cooperative attitude, are motivated to learn new techniques and maintain positive working relationships.
• Prepared for a dynamic research environment – You are willing to travel for research secondments and to work flexibly when needed to meet project goals.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open and engaged environment. We offer:

• A position as PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), with employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,059.00 and €3,881.00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week), plus 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A 12-month contract at 1.0 FTE, followed—upon positive evaluation—by a 3-year extension.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home (depending on the nature of the position), including commuting and internet allowances.
• 29 vacation days plus four additional holidays (Carnival Monday & Tuesday, Good Friday and Liberation Day).
• The option to build up 12 additional days through compensation hours.
• A wide range of development opportunities, including training programmes and university-wide initiatives such as Acknowledge & Appreciate.
• Excellent secondary benefits including a solid ABP pension scheme, company fitness options and access to extensive UM sports facilities.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. Additional UM-specific provisions apply.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
At FHML, everything revolves around healthy living. Our education and research focus not only on diagnosis and treatment, but also on prevention, health preservation and long-term well-being. We work closely with the academic hospital in Maastricht, forming Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+).
FHML is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, home to a diverse international community. We offer a broad range of innovative Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, always connecting theory with practice. Our multidisciplinary research is organised into six graduate schools and two research institutes, covering themes from fundamental mechanisms to applied healthcare innovation.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

Curious?
Do you have questions about this position or the research environment?
Contact Prof. Leon Schurgers at l.schurgers@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Applying?
Are you ready to join us as our new PhD candidate? Apply no later than 1 February 2026.

First interviews are planned for February 2026. Second interviews will be held March 2026.
An orientation day may be part of the procedure.

This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritised.

Maastricht University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity enriches the quality of our research and education, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.