PhD candidate in molecular oncology: How does a cancer induce body weight loss?

Cancer frequently leads to body weight loss, which has a dramatic negative impact on survival. Still, we don’t know how a tumor causes body weight loss. Would you like to work in a state-of-the-art lab that uses transformative technologies to investigate the mechanisms underlying this important problem? And are you into the use of organoids and spatial omics techniques in an immunology-focused environment? Then this position is made for you!

Job Description
You will study tissues, immune cells, and organoid models of patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer in the context of our recently awarded ZonMw project. You will work closely together with a second PhD student who already started the clinical study on the role of the gastrointestinal barrier in the development of inflammation-induced unintentional weight loss (‘cachexia’). The laboratory part of this project focuses on the mechanisms that underlie intestinal barrier dysfunction and identification of actionable targets, followed by validation of treatment targets for improving gut integrity. It is carried out by a dedicated and motivated team of biomedical researchers, technicians, and surgeons.

You will analyse samples from patients in the clinical study in our translational research lab, employing advanced techniques such as spatial transcriptomics/proteomics, organoid cultures, and live cell imaging- next to the basics like qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. As such, you will develop skills that are invaluable for your future career in the biomedical science field. By becoming part of our international network of scientists, you will get the opportunity to collaborate with researchers all over the world, and actively participate in interesting international conferences. 

You will work primarily at the department of Surgery at Maastricht University, closely collaborating with researchers at the Division of Human Nutrition and Health of Wageningen University, at which a period of research may be planned to work on tumor-induced intestinal permeability in organoid transwell systems. 

Your main tasks are:

• Culture intestinal and pancreatic (tumor) organoids and analyse their secretome;
• Perform live cell imaging experiments with organoids;
• Apply spatial biology approaches focused on cells of the intestinal barrier;
• Assist in inclusion of patients for our biobank and in studies and physical assessments of patients with cancer (optional);
• Collect and process clinical data and tissues at the operation theatre;
• Perform statistical analyses;
• Write scientific publications and data reports;
• Present study data at (inter)national conferences.

Requirements
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with a genuine interest in immunology and cellular biology and a (nearly completed) Master’s degree in Biomedical sciences, Medical Biology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field.

Key features we look for include:

• You are interested in cancer and metabolism and want to develop in this area.
• You can work in close harmony with other team members but can also work independently when desirable.
• You are pro-active, creative, and work with high accuracy.
• You have relevant experience with molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, CRISPR, proteomics, microscopy, etc.), or can demonstrate that you can quickly develop this.
• You have a good command of the English language and can write and speak coherently. It will be an advantage to be fluent in Dutch as well.
• You have strong communication skills, given the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the project.
• You are committed to expand our translational ‘bench-to-bedside’ research.
• You have affinity with biostatistics and/or bioinformatics.

What we offer
As 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
Within FHML, you will be positioned in the NUTRIM research institute. Our department of Surgery has a long tradition in translational research. Problems in the daily clinical care of patients are translated into research questions that are experimentally addressed in our laboratories using patient materials and/or through minor interventions during operations. The insights gained from these studies are ultimately aimed at improving patient care and patient treatment options. Basic and translational research in our 
department focuses on disorders of the intestine, liver and pancreas, mainly in the metabolic and immunological field in the context of cancer cachexia. For more information, please visit 
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/general-surgery-0 while our new website is under development.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Sander Rensen at s.rensen@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31 43 3881584 for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 4 June 2025, for this position.

Applications should be written in English and contain:

1. a cover letter explaining relevant work experience and your motivation for joining our team;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. names and contact information of one or preferably two references.

An orientation day will be part of the application procedure.

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.