PhD student on deep vein thrombosis modelling in the ThromboRisk doctoral network

Do you want to be trained to develop multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models by integrating insights from the cellular, thrombus, and organ levels? Would you like to be part of a prestigious doctoral network working to revolutionize personalized medicine by using cutting-edge in silico, in vitro, and in vivo technologies to understand, predict and treat thrombosis? This is your chance!!

• Our goal: Develop multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models that integrate cellular, thrombus, and organ-level insights.
• Your colleagues: An international team of researchers within the ThromboRisk consortium, collaborating across 10 partner universities.

Job Description
At the faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University, a PhD-position is available within the ThromboRisk project, which is funded by the EU’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. The position will last 36 months and recruitment will open in May 2026. It will be hosted by Maastricht University, and will involve close collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands), as well as a 3-month secondment at University of Bern (Switzerland).

Research program description
ThromboRisk will develop an integrated platform to advance our understanding of thrombosis across biological scales, combining mechanobiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and computational modelling. Together with your fellow doctoral candidates you will make a unique contribution to the multi-level thrombosis risk prediction framework, addressing specific aspects of thrombus formation, growth, rupture, and clinical impact. This hands-on training will be supplemented by several scientific and professional development courses as well as an immersive training programme, in which doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to hone their skills for the jobs of tomorrow, while addressing the societal challenges of the ThromboRisk program.
The ThromboRisk consortium is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101227706. It comprises 10 partner universities: Eindhoven University of Technology (NL), Maastricht University (NL), University of Amsterdam (NL), Catholic University Leuven (BE), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (DE), University College London (UK), Transylvania University of Brasov (RO), SANO Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine (PL), University of Leeds (UK), and University of Bern (CH).

Doctoral candidate project
Personalized hemodynamic modelling of iliofemoral vein thrombosis for prediction of residual obstruction, recurrent thrombosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly in patients with iliofemoral DVT or recurrent thrombosis. Understanding flow-related mechanisms underlying residual obstruction could improve treatment strategies and lead to new interventions.

In this project, you will develop personalized in silico and in vitro hemodynamic models of venous thrombosis to predict residual obstruction, recurrence, and PTS.

• In silico models will use duplex ultrasound, MRI (acute and follow-up), biomarkers, and thrombus characteristics.
• In vitro microfluidic models will use disease-specific flow conditions and blood samples from DVT patients.

Your work will ultimately contribute to a risk prediction tool for recurrent DVT and PTS, ready for evaluation in clinical trials.

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

• Creative and ambitious – You’re hard-working, persistent, and eager to push boundaries.
• Strong academic foundation – You have (or will have before 01-09-2026) a MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
• Interdisciplinary interest – You bring knowledge of, or interest in, clinical medicine and data science or biochemistry.
• Collaborative mindset – You communicate clearly and contribute positively to a research team.
• Fluent in English – You have strong spoken and written English skills (C1 level).

Eligibility criteria (MSCA regulations)

• You must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the recruitment date. (Exceptions apply for certain types of residency, e.g., refugee procedure.)

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

• A 36-month employment contract (1.0 FTE) with an intermediate evaluation after 12 months.
• A salary in scale P (UFO profile Promovendus) ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (full-time), four additional public holidays, and the option to gain 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, hybrid working options (role-dependent), commuting and internet allowances.
• Opportunities to shape your personal and professional development through a broad range of training programmes and university-wide initiatives such as Acknowledge & Appreciate.
• Excellent secondary employment benefits, including a strong pension scheme (ABP), company fitness, and access to extensive UM sports facilities.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
At FHML, everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education focus on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion — contributing to the well-being of individuals and society.
FHML collaborates closely with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). As UM’s largest faculty, FHML brings together an international community of staff and students. We offer a wide range of Dutch- and English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, grounded in innovative educational concepts and strong links to practice.
Our multidisciplinary research covers carefully selected themes, ranging from fundamental insights to applied innovations. Research activities are organized across six graduate schools and two research institutes.

Interested?
Do you have questions about this position?
Feel free to contact Dr. Arina ten Cate: arina.tencate@maastrichtuniversity.nl or arina.cate@mumc.nl

Applying?
If you are ready to join us, please apply now!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.

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 five regional locations, six faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities — for yourself and for the world around you. Because real answers are found together.

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.