The aim of this PD position is twofold; the first aim is to develop a tool that ensures a standard quality and quantity of tissue and fluids collected from patients with different grades of OsteoArthritis (OA) and examine and search for biomarkers which help to further unravel different phenotypes and disease progression by the department of Orthopaedic Surgery. The second aim is to participate in the OA RegMedXB moonshot as representative for the clinical part which also implies tooling for inserting an osteochondral implant. In the future, we aim to identify the most appropriate treatment for OA by phenotype or, where relevant, fully personalized. Patient classification and treatment will be achieved by making a unique combination between known prognostic factors and proper (regenerative) implants and tooling. Biomarkers will be determined by collecting and analyzing tissue samples of patients during planned surgical treatments using the latest cell and tissue analysis techniques in collaboration with M4I, Biovolt B.V., and Zimmer-Biomet. For the tooling part, a strong collaboration exists with the AMC and TU/ Eindhoven. This means we are looking for a PD who has experience in analytical chemistry and tooling for both aims. Several methods will be applied to achieve the goals: set up a database in which different types of data come together, obtain permission from the METC to test the tooling, visiting the operating room, perform tissue/cell analysis techniques, set up of design criteria and guide the prototyping process for tooling. Before and parallel to these methods, a set of requirements for a point-of-care and osteochondral implant device that can determine the relevant biomarkers based on the experience in tissue collection with existing analytical techniques will be established. You will work closely with a PhD student at the UM who will have complementary expertise to conduct the research. 

This research is done within a consortium mainly consisting of the MUMC+ Orthopaedics Department, AMC, TU/e and M4I. The projects are funded from Applied and Applied Sciences within the perspective research program entitled 'William Hunter Revisited: Activating intrinsic cartilage repair to restore joint homeostasis' to make a major step in regenerating cartilage and the moonshot OA line within RegMedXB.

• The candidate has finished or will finish a PhD in the field of tooling, and/or Biochemistry, and/or Biophysics, and/or Bio(medical)-engineering, and/or Medicine with a clear experience in tooling and analytical chemistry.

• The candidate has experience or at least a clear interest in surgical tooling and complex cell and tissue analysis techniques (Bioassay technology, MALDI MS)

• The candidate is social competent to work in a multidisciplinary team and work with patients.

• The candidate has a good set of organizational skills.

• The candidate has the capacity to overview and unravel complex problems/challenges.

• The candidate has a strong interest in both tooling and (fundamental) OA research.

It is a 0,75 fte temporary appointment at Maastricht University/department Orthopedic for the duration of 4 years. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl» Support» UM employees.

For the other 0,25 fte you will be appointed at AMC Amsterdam/department of Orthopaedic Surgery and also for a duration of 4 years. AMC will invite you separately for an employment conditions interview.

The work will mainly take place in Maastricht.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Orthopaedics/CAPHRI/M4I

The MUMC+ has an (inter)national focus on prevention. This implies not only recovery after disease but also prevention and improvement of health. Next to academic clinical work there is a strong focus on science and education. The department of Orthopaedic surgery is an ambitious academic department with clinical, educational en scientific tasks and challenges. The areas of expertise are (early) osteoarthritis/cartilage repair, infection/revision surgery, spine, and pediatric orthopaedics. Research of these expertise area’s is coordinated by the Laboratory of Experimental Orthopaedics and Trialbureau Orthopaedie. The mission of the laboratory and trialbureau is to provide state-of the art fundamental research and GCP based state-of-the art clinical research in a motivating, upright, and reputable environment.

The department collaborates with M4I. M4I is a state-of-the art molecular imaging institute. The mission of the institute and collaboration is to perform fundamental, instrumentation and applied studies in molecular imaging as a part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program. The institute is embedded in the faculty of health, medicine and life sciences of the UM. The research group is one of the world leaders in high resolution molecular imaging of biological surfaces, and targets the development and application of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry based molecular imaging infrastructure for nanomedicine and biomedical research.

The Postdoc will be embedded in the Institutes CAPHRI and M4I.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl