PhD Position in Multimodal Molecular Imaging and Multi-Omics for Biopharma

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you passionate about cutting-edge molecular imaging, mass spectrometry and translational biomedical research? Would you like to contribute to the development of next-generation targeted cancer therapies while working with world-leading imaging technologies in an international research environment? Then this fully funded PhD position at the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i) could be your next challenge.  

As a PhD candidate, you will become part of an ambitious collaboration between Maastricht University and the Institut Servier de Médecine Translationnelle (Saclay, France). Together, we are developing innovative imaging workflows that provide unprecedented insight into the biodistribution, efficacy and safety of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)—one of the fastest-growing therapeutic modalities in oncology. 

PhD Position in Multimodal Molecular Imaging and Multi-Omics for Biopharma   
 

Our mission: The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i) develops and applies innovative molecular imaging technologies that reveal biological processes across multiple spatial scales—from whole organs to individual cells and subcellular structures. 

Within this project, you will develop novel multimodal imaging workflows that combine mass spectrometry imaging, multi-omics, digital pathology and artificial intelligence to understand how Antibody-Drug Conjugates distribute throughout the body and influence biological systems. Your research will contribute directly to the development of safer, more effective, and more precisely targeted therapies for patients. 

Your team: You will join an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research environment where imaging scientists, analytical chemists, biologists, clinicians, computational scientists and biomedical researchers work together to advance molecular imaging. 

The project is a close collaboration between Maastricht University and Servier, an international pharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative therapies in oncology. Throughout your PhD, you will spend a significant period working at the Servier research facilities in Saclay, France, providing a unique opportunity to gain experience in both academia and industry.  

You will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ron M.A. Heeren, Dr. Tim Hendriks and Dr. Pierre Barbier Saint Hilaire, internationally recognised experts in molecular imaging and translational biomedical research.  

What you do 

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) combine the selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with highly potent cytotoxic compounds, offering enormous potential for targeted cancer treatment. However, understanding exactly where each component of an ADC travels within the body, and how this influences therapeutic efficacy and safety, remains a major scientific challenge. 

In this PhD project, you will develop innovative workflows that visualize and quantify the biodistribution of all ADC components, including: 

• Total ADC;  
• Total antibody;  
• Free payload.  

Using state-of-the-art molecular imaging technologies, you will investigate these components across multiple biological scales—from whole organisms and organs to tissues, individual cells and subcellular structures. By integrating spatial molecular information with multi-omics data, digital pathology and artificial intelligence, your work will generate new insights into pharmacodynamics, efficacy biomarkers and toxicity mechanisms that cannot be obtained using conventional analytical methods. 

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• develop innovative multimodal imaging workflows for studying Antibody-Drug Conjugates;  
• perform experiments using advanced molecular imaging technologies, including MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI), DESI-MSI, transmission-mode MALDI-MSI, Nanoscale SIMS, Laser MicroDissection (LMD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry;  
• combine imaging datasets with multi-omics, digital pathology and AI-assisted image analysis to generate integrated biological insights;  
• analyze the spatial distribution of ADCs, antibodies and payload molecules across multiple biological scales;  
• identify pharmacodynamic, efficacy and safety biomarkers relevant to oncology drug development;  
• process, analyze and interpret complex multimodal imaging datasets;  
• collaborate closely with scientists at Maastricht University and Servier, both in Maastricht and Saclay;  
• present your research at international conferences and publish your findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.  

Are you ready to shape the future of molecular imaging and precision medicine? We'd love to meet you. 

What you bring  
At Maastricht University, we value curiosity, ambition and scientific creativity. Rather than ticking every box, we are looking for someone who enjoys tackling complex scientific questions in an interdisciplinary environment. 

You recognize yourself in the following profile: 

• A Master's degree in (Bio)Chemistry, Analytical Science and Technology, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.  
• Hands-on laboratory experience involving biological systems.  
• A strong interest in molecular imaging, analytical chemistry, and translational biomedical research.  
• Affinity with mass spectrometry imaging, spatial biology or multi-omics technologies.  
• Interest in computational image analysis, digital pathology and artificial intelligence.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
• The ability to work independently while thriving within an interdisciplinary international research team.  
• Excellent written and spoken English (C1 level or higher).  
• Experience with MALDI-MSI, DESI-MSI, ion beam technologies, Laser Capture MicroDissection, high-resolution mass spectrometry, biological sample preparation or data science is considered an advantage but is not essential. 

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.
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,00 and €3881,00 (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.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• 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.

About the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i) 
The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in molecular imaging. The institute develops innovative instrumentation and imaging methodologies that enable researchers to visualise biological processes at unprecedented spatial resolution. 

By combining mass spectrometry imaging, computational biology, pathology and advanced analytical technologies, M4i contributes to breakthroughs in oncology, neurology and cardiovascular medicine. The institute forms part of the Dutch Large-Scale Research Infrastructure and collaborates with leading academic institutions, healthcare organizations and industrial partners worldwide.  

Interested?  
Would you like to know more about this position? Please contact Prof. Dr. Ron M.A. Heeren via r.heeren@maastrichtuniversity.nl.  

To apply, please submit: 

• a motivation letter;  
• your curriculum vitae;  
• copies of your degree certificates;  
• contact details of at least two academic references.  

Applications can be submitted until 15 August 2026.  We would like to start the project at the 1st of September and 1st of October at the latest. Please mention the project name and vacancy number in your application 

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.