PhD Candidate: The vicious circle of protein modification-induced chronic inflammation

Welcome to Maastricht University!

What if cardiometabolic and autoimmune diseases share a root cause?

Join a cutting-edge collaboration uncovering how post-translational protein modifications ignite chronic inflammation and how we can intervene.

For our Zon-MW funded project we invite 2 enthusiastic PhD candidates, one based at the Maastricht University and one at the Leiden University Medical Centre. This vacancy is for the position at Maastricht University, offering a stimulating research setting and close collaboration within the project team.

PhD Candidate: The vicious circle of protein modification-induced chronic inflammation

• Our goal: In this project, you will explore how post-translationally modified proteins and their antibodies contribute to chronic (low grade) inflammation and the development of cardiometabolic diseases. By studying complement activation and is association with (sub)clinical phenotypes using data from The Maastricht Study, you will help clarify their relevance in the etiology of disease.

• Your colleagues: You will be embedded in a collaborative research environment at Maastricht University, working closely with researchers within the local team. You will also collaborate with researchers and a fellow PhD candidate at Leiden University Medical Centre in the research group of Prof Dr L.T. Trouw, with regular joint meetings and exchange visits as an integral part of the PhD programme. The PhD candidate based in Leiden will focus on the experimental and translational components of the project thereby complementing the human data analyses performed in Maastricht.

Post-translationally modified proteins (PTMs) and their antibodies have been long-implicated in the etiology of auto-immune disease. Notably, PTMs and anti-PTMS are also found in other non-communicable diseases, but their pathophysiological relevance needs to be firmly established.

In this PhD project, you will explore how activation of the complement system by PTMs contributes to systemic low-grade inflammation and to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The complement system is part of our innate immune defence against infections and can trigger inflammation. You will use data and biobanked samples of The Maastricht Study (www.themaastrichtstudy.nl), a large and deeply-phenotyped observational cohort, as well as interventions cohorts.

You will design and perform assays to measure several post-translationally modified proteins (PTMs) such as malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducted proteins, advanced glycation endproducts, and carbamylated proteins and their antibodies in this cohort. You will combine these data with the available in-depth (pre)clinical phenotypes to address the contribution PTM-activated complement activation contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases.

What you do
As a PhD candidate you will:

• Design and perform in ELISA-based measurements of PTMs, anti-PTMs and complement in human samples (observation and interventional).  
• Perform data-analyses to relate these data to clinical outcomes.
• Perform cluster analyses to uncover underlying (patho)physiological phenotypes.
• Collaborate with the LUMC-team to integrate the human findings and preclinical experimental data.
• Publish your results, present at international conferences, and contribute to departmental teaching activities.

Are you eager to uncover how ubiquitous protein modifications, via complement activation and proinflammatory effects, form a shared root cause in the etiology of cardiometabolic and autoimmune diseases? Then we’d love to meet you!

What you bring 
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

You are interested in interdisciplinary research that explores the full translational axis, this is your place to be. Our ideal candidate holds accuracy and precision in high regards, possesses strong analytical and critical thinking skills and excellent communication skills. Collaboration, good time management and organizational skills are vital for properly balancing a PhD project. Additionally, adaptability and a proactive learning attitude are key to successfully completing a PhD track.

Furthermore, you bring:

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, Medicine, Biology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Good laboratory skills, preferably including experience with analytical laboratory assays such as ELISA.
• Experience and affinity with statistical analyses in large datasets (regression, mediation, moderation).
• Experience in working in interdisciplinary teams or a strong desire to do so.
• Excellent Proficiency in scientific English (speaking, reading, and writing), at C1 level or higher.
• Proficiency in use SPSS and/or R or willingness to learn.
• A keen and demonstratable interest in the etiology behind the development of cardiovascular diseases and related comorbidities.

What we offer

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

• A 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. 
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas. 
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with. 
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities. 
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Marleen van Greevenbroek at m.vangreevenbroek@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 2 August 2026.

If you want to apply, please submit the following:

• CV
• Motivationletter which you clearly explain why you are the most suitable candidate for this position
• Academic Transcripts
• Contactdetails of two referees

Please note that only complete applications will be considered.

The first round of interviews will take place between 11 and 14 August 2026. In the second interview round candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation.

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 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.

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

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

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.