PhD Candidate within the DOAC-FRAIL Study Group

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The world is rapidly changing, and we are evolving with it. At Maastricht University, your work makes a difference—whether you explore the future as a researcher, contribute to healthcare innovation, or help shape the research that impacts lives. Here, you work in an open, collaborative environment where curiosity and initiative are valued.

PhD Candidate within the DOAC-FRAIL Study Group

• Our goal: Improve safe and effective use of DOACs in frail older patients through innovative clinical research.
• Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary and international team of physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

Our DOAC-FRAIL study group has started a large international randomized controlled trial. We have built a strong foundation and extensive collaboration network across the Netherlands and Belgium. Now, we are ready to take the next step: translating our research ambition into clinical impact. That is why we are looking for a PhD candidate who combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on approach.

You will play a key role conducting the DOAC-FRAIL trial, which investigates a novel Single Cycle Monitoring and Adjustment Strategy for DOAC use in frail older populations. You contribute directly to research that aims to reduce major bleeding and thrombosis, improving patient outcomes in a vulnerable group.

In your day-to-day work, you coordinate study start-up activities (new sites), include participants, and perform baseline and follow-up visits across multiple centres in the South of the Netherlands and Belgium. You collect and analyse data, and translate your findings into scientific publications that form the foundation of your PhD thesis.

You work closely with physicians, researchers, laboratory specialists, and other stakeholders. Together, you contribute to a study with real clinical relevance and societal impact. While teaching is not a core part of the role, opportunities to contribute to education can be explored based on your interests.

Are you ready to contribute to meaningful clinical research and shape the future of patient care? We would love to meet you.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• Curious and driven researcher – You are motivated to explore new ideas and contribute to impactful clinical research.
• Collaborative mindset – You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams and value different perspectives.
• Strong communicator – You express ideas clearly and effectively in both English and Dutch (mandatory), written and spoken.
• Analytical and eager to learn – You are interested in data analysis and motivated to develop your skills in handling and interpreting datasets.
• Organised and proactive – You take initiative, manage your work well, and approach tasks with care and precision.
• Relevant academic background – You hold a Master’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Flexible and mobile – you are willing to work across different locations; a valid driver’s license is required for this role.

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

• A 4-year contract (1.0 FTE), with evaluation after 12 months.
• A salary in scale P (UFO profile Promovendus) ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (full-time), 4 additional days off, and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and hybrid working options where possible.
• Freedom and space to shape your research and develop your skills.
• A good pension scheme via ABP, company fitness, and access to extensive sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
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? Please contact Dr. F. Magdelijns via fabienne.magdelijns@mumc.nl.

The end date of the publication is 22th April 2026. 
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.

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.