PhD candidate: developing an in vitro platform to investigate sex differences in renal drug handling

Welcome to Maastricht University!
We seek a PhD candidate to join our team developing advanced (computational) models to understand (patho)physiological renal drug and toxin transport. The overall aim of this project is to create a novel in vitro platform to investigate sex differences in renal drug handling, enabling the quantification of sex-specific transport kinetics. 

PhD candidate: developing an in vitro platform to investigate sex differences in renal drug handling 

• Our goal: Reveal sex-specific mechanisms in renal drug transport by combining advanced in vitro models with physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling.
• Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary team of computational modellers, biologists, and biomedical engineers at MERLN, working together to understand renal (patho)physiology at multiple scales.

It has been widely recognized that sex differences impact disease progression and medication effects, but despite mandates for female inclusion in clinical trials, preclinical studies continue to overlook sex-specific variation. For example, the kidneys play a pivotal role in drug excretion, with 32% of the top 200 prescribed drugs being renally eliminated. However, the impact of sex differences on renal drug handling, and consequently pharmacokinetics, remains elusive. Sex differences in renal drug handling may arise from various factors, including anatomical, (epi)genetic and sex hormonal differences, and it is challenging to account for all these effects in vitro. Hereto, we aim to use an integrated in silico – in vitro approach, combining physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models with in vitro work to quantify what is happening at the individual proximal tubule cell level to provide accurate active transport predictions. Rodent models are inappropriate for such data, since their renal clearance differs from humans. 

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 your time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.

Are you excited to push boundaries in kidney physiology and translational pharmacology? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your perspective, ideas, and drive. Does this sound like you?

• Scientifically curious and eager to explore complex questions – You hold (or soon will hold) a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, pharmacology or a related field. Candidates from other backgrounds are welcome if they demonstrate strong research affinity.
• Hands-on and experimental – You bring experience or clear affinity with cell culture and laboratory-based research.
• Comfortable with molecular analyses – Techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting or immunofluorescence are familiar to you, or you are motivated to master them.
• Knowledgeable about human physiology – You understand the basics of organ-level physiology and are enthusiastic about deepening this knowledge.
• Open to interdisciplinary work – You enjoy connecting experimental work with computational insight.
• A clear communicator – You can express your ideas effectively in scientific English (reading, writing and speaking); Dutch is not required.
• Motivated and independent – You take initiative, manage your time well, and collaborate constructively within a diverse team.

Applicants will be asked to briefly describe their experience with cell culture, molecular assays, and human physiology. Prior experience in pharmacology or kidney research is welcome but not required.

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

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a 3-year extension, based on positive evaluation.
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,00 and €3881,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week; scale P), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time employment) and four additional public holidays. 
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your research independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit interdisciplinary community to collaborate and grow with.
• A good pension scheme via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to university sports facilities.
• Relocation support (if eligible) and a welcoming research environment in the heart of Europe.

MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired Regenerative Medicine
The successful candidate will benefit from a cross-disciplinary supervision team comprising Aurélie Carlier and Vanessa LaPointe (MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University).

The project will be coordinated at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (http://merln.maastrichtuniversity.nl/) as part of the VIDI-iDOSE project. The computational group led by dr. Aurélie Carlier focuses on multiscale computational modelling of biological processes, with a particular interest in bone tissue engineering applications, kidney physiology and pathology and cell-biomaterial interactions and using a range of data-driven to mechanistic modelling approaches (https://www.carlier-insilico-lab.com/who-are-we). Dr LaPointe’s group (www.lapointelab.com) is dedicated to developing groundbreaking regenerative cell therapies that can transform the lives of patients suffering from chronic diseases. By combining expertise in biology, medicine, and engineering, the lab is proud to work on the whole spectrum of fundamental research to translational activities necessary to both discover and develop cell therapies.

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.

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. Aurélie Carlier at a.carlier@maastrichtuniversity.nl
You can also apply directly using the button below.  

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.

To apply
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. Note that the system requires to upload a cover letter, please upload the CV twice. 

If you apply, we will ask you to briefly describe your experience or expertise in the following areas:
- Cell culture
- Molecular analyses (e.g., qPCR, Westerns, IF)
- Human physiology

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 23,000 students and 5,000 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.