PhD candidate within the DOAC-FRAIL study group

Exciting PhD Opportunity (fulltime 4 years) within the DOAC-FRAIL study group.
This is your chance to be at the forefront of a major clinical trial! We’re looking for a driven PhD 
candidate to help launch and conduct the first analysis of a major RCT investigating the use of DOACs in the frail older population.
 

Job Description
We are searching for an enthusiastic, driven PhD candidate eager to take on new challenges and make an impact. As our PhD candidate you will be involved in starting up our international DOAC-FRAIL randomized controlled trial in which we will investigate the efficacy of a Single Monitoring and Adjustment Strategy for DOAC usage in the frail older population. With this strategy, participants will be set to a DOAC based on DOAC levels. We hypothesize that this Single Monitoring and Adjustment Strategy will lead to a reduction in major bleedings and thrombosis.
Our DOAC-FRAIL study group consists of an interdisciplinary team of physicians (internists, cardiologists, geriatricians, physicians working in nursing homes), biochemists, laboratory technicians, researchers, students, an epidemiologist and a pharmacist. The DOAC-FRAIL study group has an extensive network of collaborators within institutions in and outside the Netherlands (specifically Belgium).

Your principal responsibility will be to fulfil all the requirements to obtain a PhD degree at Maastricht University including, but not limited, to the following:

• Start-up of the DOAC-FRAIL RCT;
• Inclusion, baseline and follow-up visits;
• Data-collection and data analysis.
• Writing several scientific publications which form the central corpus of your PhD thesis.

You’ll be working across multiple centres in the South of the Netherlands and Belgium, with your home base in Maastricht, where you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with experts and contribute to innovative research.
Since a PhD is primarily a research position, the candidate is not required to lecture or tutor, however such opportunities can be made available to the right candidate if so desired.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who thrives in teamwork, communicates clearly and effectively, and approaches each task with punctuality, initiative, and determination. We seek candidates with the following essential qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or Dutch university equivalent) in medicine or biomedical sciences (or equivalent);
• Experience with human studies and statistical methodology is a plus;
• Experience with data analysis (e.g., using R or SPSS) is an advantage but not a requirement. We are looking for a candidate who is motivated to develop expertise in handling and interpreting datasets, with training opportunities available;
• A real researcher’s mentality: open-minded, curious, creative, enthusiastic, motivated, persevering, and accurate;
• Team player with good organizational, communication and social skills, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential;
• Having a driver’s license and access to a care is an advantage.

If you're ready to take on this dynamic role and contribute to meaningful discoveries, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

What we offer
As a PhD within the DOAC-FRAIL study group at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university of 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 an initial period of four years, with a scope of 1.0 FTE, subject to evaluations after 12 months.
• 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 Dr. F. Magdelijns at fabienne.magdelijns@mumc.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than April 13, 2025 for this position. 

An orientation day can 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.