PhD candidate: DRAGON Trials - Research in Innovative Liver Surgery

We are looking for 1 or 2 motivated PhD candidates interested in clinical research on liver cancer, aiming to complete a PhD within the international DRAGON trial. A collaboration of major cancer centers across the world.

Job Description
As part of this PhD program, you will conduct clinical research within the DRAGON trials, an international study aimed at optimizing pre-operative liver growth in patients with primary and secondary liver tumors in need of surgical resection. The backbone of this research is a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing combined portal and hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE) with standard PVE. This technique aims to accelerate and improve liver regeneration, potentially allowing more patients to undergo curative liver surgery. The trial is being conducted in collaboration with hospitals around the world. A more detailed description of the DRAGON study can be found at www.dragontrial.com. There is room for initiative and independent development of new own research projects.

You will be part of an internationally oriented research group in HPB surgery, led by experts from Maastricht University, MUMC+, and the DRAGON consortium. Collaborating closely with an experienced team of HPB surgeons, (interventional) radiologists, oncologists, and other PhD candidates, you will contribute to advancing research in this field. As the PhD program is conducted in collaboration with Amsterdam UMC and CHU Liège, Belgium, candidates from these regions are especially encouraged to apply.

As a PhD candidate, your responsibilities will include:

• Managing trial documents and coordinating international ethical approvals.
• Managing patient inclusion in both national and international study centers.
• Collecting and analyzing clinical data, as well as assessing imaging and liver function using CT, MRI, and scintigraphy.
• Collaborating within a multidisciplinary team of physician-researchers, HPB surgeons, (interventional) radiologists, and oncologists.
• Publishing research findings and presenting at national and international conferences.
• Potential involvement in teaching and student supervision.

Requirements
The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and able to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with adaptability in a dynamic research environment.

Candidates should meet the following qualifications:

• A master's degree in medicine, technical medicine, or a healthcare-related field.
• Affinity with clinical research and oncological surgery.
• A proactive and independent approach, while also being a strong team player.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level or higher).
• Experience in scientific research is an advantage but not required.
• Enthusiasm for science, collaboration, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

What we offer
As PhD candidate: DRAGON Trials - Research in Innovative Liver Surgery at 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 in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 and €3707,00 gross per month (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.

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Sinead James (sinead.james@mumc.nl, +31638463945) and Fenna van der Zijden (fenna.van.der.zijden@mumc.nl, T+31640911632) or principal investigator dr. Ronald van Dam (r.van.dam@mumc.nl, T+31651071731) for more information.

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD-student? Apply now, no later than April 20, 2025 for this position. The interviews preferably take place between April 25 and May 3.

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.