PhD candidate 'developing a therapy for severe myopia'

We seek a PhD candidate to join our team developing innovative therapies for ophthalmic diseases and conditions. The overall aim of this project is to create a novel therapy to treat patients with severe myopia.

Job description

Myopia (near-sightedness) occurs when the eyeball is elongated from front to back. While many people experience a harmless form of myopia that can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, there is a severe and progressive pathologic form known as “high myopia.” This condition is defined by a refractive error of –6 diopters or more and is projected to affect nearly one billion people by 2055. For patients with high myopia, the elongation of the eyeball leads to serious ocular complications, with one-third experiencing severe visual impairment. High myopia is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, and currently, there is no effective treatment.

High myopia results in a thinner and weaker sclera—the white outer layer of the eye that maintains its shape. Progressive weakening and remodelling of the sclera drive the ocular complications that lead to blindness. To address this, our team is developing a therapy to fortify the weakened sclera. Our approach involves injecting a photosensitive crosslinker into the sclera and using light to initiate crosslinking through the pupil, thereby strengthening the sclera and preventing the progression of myopia.

We recently completed a proof-of-concept in vivo preclinical study that demonstrated the potential safety and efficacy of this approach. In collaboration with an industrial partner, we now aim to advance clinical translation by optimizing the treatment for human tissue. Additionally, we are investigating the underlying mechanisms, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and structural changes associated with the treatment’s effects.

The PhD candidate will develop research questions, design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, write papers for publication, and present findings both internally and at conferences. They will ultimately submit and defend a PhD thesis. Approximately 5% of their time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.

Requirements

Candidates should possess a master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical sciences, bioengineering, etc.) or have equivalent experience demonstrating an affinity for this topic, even if their educational background is in a different field. Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a country where it is common to directly enter a PhD programme (e.g., the USA) are welcome to apply without a master’s degree but must demonstrate substantial independent research experience.

We are seeking creative thinkers who are ready to tackle ambitious and highly challenging objectives. This project is ideal for a motivated candidate passionate about conducting translational research. Proficiency in scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing is required, but knowledge of Dutch is not necessary.

If you apply, we will ask you to briefly describe your experience or expertise in the following areas:

• Molecular biology;
• Biochemistry;
• Transcriptomics and proteomics;
• Translational research.

Please note that prior experience in eye/vision research is not a requirement.

What we offer
As a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total. 

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).  FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
 

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

 
Department

The successful candidate will benefit from a cross-disciplinary supervision team comprising Vanessa LaPointe (MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University) and Mor Dickman (Department of Ophthalmology, UMC Utrecht).

The research will be conducted in Dr LaPointe’s laboratory at the MERLN Institute, Maastricht University (www.lapointelab.com). At MERLN (www.merlninstitute.com), we foster a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment with expertise spanning biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and cell biology. Our team shares state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, creating an ideal setting for cutting-edge research and innovation.

Applying from abroad?
For those unfamiliar with the Dutch PhD system, it is standard to dedicate four years to completing laboratory work for the degree and for submitting a thesis comprising several experimental chapters, often including published research papers. The program is a full-time research degree, with coursework being optional.

MERLN hosts researchers from around the globe who have successfully navigated the transition to living in the Netherlands. Maastricht University, recognized as the most international university in the Netherlands. With its high-quality research and education, alongside a strong commitment to social engagement, Maastricht University has established itself as one of the world’s top young universities.

Located in the heart of Europe, Maastricht is a charming and welcoming city. Known for its fine cuisine, excellent shopping, and multicultural atmosphere, the city offers a unique international community. As the founding city of the European Union, Maastricht is home to residents from all over the world, and English is widely spoken, contributing to its vibrant global character. Thanks to its central location, Maastricht is just a short drive from Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and other parts of the Netherlands. The city is family-friendly, offering an international school and several excellent primary schools.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr Vanessa LaPointe at v.lapointe@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 12 February 2025, for this position.

Please attach a CV and answer the questions in the application. Do not include any additional documents (e.g., cover letter, references, diplomas, etc.) as they will not be considered.

Application timeline
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in brief video interviews. Those advancing to the second round will attend either an in-person interview or an extended video call. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The start date for this position is flexible; however, our preference is to begin as soon as possible.

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.