PhD Candidate: Unraveling molecular mechanisms of genome instability in early embryogenesis

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Join us in SHAPING THE FUTURE of reproductive & genomic medicine by developing cutting-edge genomic and AI technologies. Make your mark by contributing to life-changing science that improves healthcare from the very beginning of life.

Are you eager to discover the molecular mechanisms that explain why these first cell divisions in early life are very error-prone? Do you want to develop your skills to characterize this phenomenon at single-cell resolution using whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI)? If so, this PhD position could be an excellent fit for you!

In this ZonMw-funded project (called UnStreZ), you aim at unraveling the mechanisms of DNA replication stress and genomic instability in zygotes with the ultimate aim of improving success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

PhD Candidate: Unraveling molecular mechanisms of genome instability in early embryogenesis

• Our goal: The goal of this project is to uncover why early human embryos are prone to genomic instability, using cutting-edge single-cell genomics and AI. By developing non-invasive methods to detect and predict developmental errors, you will help transform how IVF embryos are assessed. Ultimately, your work will contribute to more successful IVF treatments and healthier beginnings of life.
• Your colleagues: The project team is spread across three labs at Maastricht University and Utrecht University, and you will work closely together with two Utrecht-based wet lab cell biology PhD students. As a project team, we value critical thinking, open communication and attention for professional and personal development.
  
  

What you do
You will be primarily responsible for experimental design and development of AI-driven computational tools for detection and non-invasive prediction of DNA replication defects and mitotic errors in human IVF embryos from live cell imaging data. In addition, you will contribute to teaching activities (maximum 0.1 FTE) and supervise Bachelor and Master students.

This project is supervised by Dr. Masoud Zamani Esteki, with co-supervision provided by Dr. Bart Westendorp and Dr. Marta Ruijter-Villani.

The PhD position is hosted at the Laboratory of Cellular Genomic Medicine (CGM, www.zamanilab.org), Department of Clinical Genetics at Maastricht University and Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). Our lab develops and applies advanced single-cell and liquid biopsy genomic and AI-driven technologies to improve reproductive and early-life healthcare. The lab pioneers clinical-grade sequencing technologies for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We integrate molecular biology, sequencing, and generative AI technologies to deliver innovative off-the-shelf solutions ready for diagnostic implementation. We collaborate closely with other UMCs across the Netherlands and leading international institutions, including the Karolinska Institute, providing a vibrant network of expertise and opportunities for collaboration at the crossroads of clinical care, pioneering research & innovation. See the PI’s vision and hope here.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? 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?

In this PhD position, you will combine computational biology, genomics, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative approaches for reproductive and early-life healthcare. A scientific mindset, critical thinking capacity, and a strong interest in computational biology are essential to develop AI-driven computational tools and analyze genomic and imaging data. As the project involves collaboration within the Laboratory of Cellular Genomic Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, other UMCs, and international research institutions, excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team are important. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and effectively manage your research activities to contribute to the goals of this project.

Furthermore, you bring:

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, with a demonstrated focus on molecular genetics (e.g., coursework, thesis, or research project)
• Demonstrated proficiency in English at C1 level or higher (CEFR), both written and spoken, sufficient for scientific communication and publication
• Demonstrated interest in developing computational methods for genomics or reproductive genetics (e.g., through projects, thesis work, or prior research)
• Proficiency in programming using R and/or Python, with experience in data analysis, computational workflows (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow), and relevant computational libraries (e.g., NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch, or equivalent) is a strong advantage
• Experience with high-throughput molecular assays, particularly next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generation and/or analysis, is an advantage
• Experience with image processing or quantitative image analysis (e.g., microscopy or live-cell imaging data) is an advantage

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. 

In addition, you will join a young, vibrant, and multicultural research environment at Maastricht University and Maastricht UMC+. You will have the opportunity to contribute to translational research at the intersection of genetics and AI to advance reproductive medicine and clinical care, while developing your skills through training opportunities and international collaborations, including funded research visits across Europe (incl. Sweden, Greece, Spain and Italy).

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. Masoud Zamani Esteki via m.zamaniesteki@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The deadline for submitting your application is 16 August 2026. Please note: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before this date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Please upload your CV and a 1-page motivation letter about why you think this PhD position is a great fit for you.
Please add at least two references that could recommend you together with one sentence motivation as to why you preferred those references.

A presentation and a (writing) assignment will be part of the selection procedure.

The preferred starting date is as soon as possible, although this can be discussed.

Note: Incomplete applications that do not include all required documents will not be considered.

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.