Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disease, of which the occurrence increases dramatically in the Western world. The main cause of death in type-2 diabetes is cardiac failure. Loss of function of the diabetic heart (referred to as cardiomyopathy) is for a large part due to accumulation of lipids (fatty acids) inside cardiac cells. Our research group has disclosed that in the early phase of diabetes, the membrane fatty acid transporter CD36 translocates from intracellular stores to the cell surface, resulting in increased fatty acid uptake. Subsequently, we want to unravel the molecular mechanism of this maladaptive CD36 translocation. This project will investigate the role of a novel protein that specifically resides in the intracellular CD36 storage compartment and may become deregulated upon lipid oversupply. In this project you will study lipid-induced post-translational modification mechanisms in vitro in cardiac cells, in vivo in hearts of rodents, as well as in cardiac biopsies from diabetic patients, and investigate if these modifications may present novel targets to combat diabetic cardiomyopathy.

This PhD Studentship for a 1.0 f.t.e. position for 4 years is funded by the Netherlands Organisation  for Scientific Research (NWO-ALW).

Eligible are enthusiastic candidates with a finished Master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Biology, or Medicine. Experience with cell culturing and transfection, Western blotting and standard biochemical techniques is a prerequisite. Expertise with radio-isotopes, mass spectrometry and/or with animal (rodent) experiments is appreciated. Willingness to participate in international collaborations. We welcome good team collaboration and communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: 4 year.

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 http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Temporary employment for the period of max 4 years. Monthly salary is € 2.222,- gross/ month in year 1 up to € 2.840,-  in year 4.

Maastricht University

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