PhD student on hemodialysis access modelling in the ThromboRisk doctoral network
Welcome to Maastricht University!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 revolutionise 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 by integrating insights from the cellular, thrombus, and organ levels.
- Your colleagues: A collaborative, international network of researchers within the ThromboRisk consortium.
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 3-month secondments at Siemens (Romania) and Charité (Germany).
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).
Your PhD project
Personalized hemodynamic modelling of arteriovenous grafts for prediction of vascular access stenosis and thrombosis
Thrombosis is a common complication of arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis, often accompanied by venous outflow stenosis due to intimal hyperplasia from disturbed flow. Understanding which venous outflow stenoses progress and lead to graft thrombosis is crucial.
In this project, you will develop personalized in silico and in vitro hemodynamic models to predict graft thrombosis in hemodialysis patients.
Your work will involve:
- Developing in silico models using computational fluid dynamics combined with macroscopic thrombus formation modelling.
- Creating in vitro microfluidic or bench-top models using disease-specific flow conditions and blood from hemodialysis patients.
The project will ultimately deliver a tool for vascular access surveillance to predict patient-specific stenosis progression and thrombosis risk, 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 are hard-working and persistent.
- Strong academic foundation – You have (or will have before 01-09-2026) a MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering or another relevant programme.
- Interdisciplinary interest – You bring knowledge of, or interest in, vascular imaging and artificial intelligence.
- Collaborative mindset – You communicate clearly and contribute effectively within a research team.
- Fluent in English – You have strong spoken and written English skills (C1 level).
Eligibility criteria (MSCA regulations)
- You must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date 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 preceding recruitment.
(Exceptions apply for compulsory service, holidays, or refugee-status procedures.)
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 go/no-go evaluation after 12 months.
- A salary graded 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 possibility to accrue 12 extra days through compensation hours.
- Flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home (dependent on job requirements), including commuting and internet allowances.
- A wide range of training programmes and development opportunities, including UM initiatives such as Acknowledge & Appreciate.
- Excellent secondary employment conditions, including a strong pension scheme (ABP), company fitness, and access to extensive UM sports facilities.
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities, supplemented by local UM provisions.
About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
At FHML, everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. We aim to contribute to the well-being of individuals as well as society.
FHML works closely with the academic hospital in Maastricht, forming 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 programmes grounded in innovative educational concepts and strong connections to practice.
Our multidisciplinary research focuses on selected themes spanning fundamental science to applied innovations. Research activities are organized into six graduate schools and two research institutes.
Interested?
Do you have questions about this position?
Feel free to contact Dr. Maarten Snoeijs at maarten.snoeijs@mumc.nl.
Applying?
If you’re ready to join us, apply now!
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue 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 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.