The integrity of biological soft tissues is crucially dependent on how cells maintain their surroundings and themselves. Yet, it is unclear how the various pathways, mechanisms and regulatory loops act to achieve tissue integrity over a lifetime. Aortic aneurysm development is a life-threatening process, and its clinical management brings a huge opportunity both practically as well as intellectually to study the fundamental aspects of tissue integrity. The Human Measurement Models 2.0 project CELLSYSTEMICS aims to characterise in direct clinical context the cellular system dynamics that govern tissue integrity, utilising patient imaging, diseased tissue materials, and blood samples.

This PhD project is particularly focused on the phenotyping as well as modulation of the biological and mechanobiological properties of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The project will involve primary and induced pluripotent stem cell SMCs, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, stretch-culturing, and Western blotting, RNA-sequencing, cell stiffness by dynamic indentation, and dynamic responses to stretch (Flexcell, nano-indentation). An interdisciplinary approach and attitude will be crucial to integrate and develop the various methodologies, devices, and protocols into the world’s first platform of its kind.

The successful applicant will be hosted by the Departments of Biomedical Engineering (Dr. Koen Reesink) and Biochemistry (Prof. Leon Schurgers), in collaboration with Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dr. Elham Bidar). The host research group is interdisciplinary, and using the research infrastructure of the CARIM School for Cardiovascular diseases and the Heart+Vessel Center, both part of Maastricht UMC+. Furthermore, the successful applicant will benefit from the friendly and inclusive culture of the group and laboratories with a highly motivating working environment in the city of Maastricht. The project is a collaboration with a control systems engineering group (TU/e) and 6 private partners, including 5 biomed-tech companies and a patient organization. Regular interactions with another CELLSYSTEMICS PhD candidate and team at TU/e, Eindhoven will be very important and facilitated.

We are looking for somebody who:

• Has a MSc or equivalent degree in biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, regenerative medicine, or a related discipline
• Is enthusiastic to work on interdisciplinary stem cell projects
• We consider it an extra, if you:
• Have prior research experience in wet labs. Knowledge and experience in pluripotent stem cell culture would be advantageous.
• Are familiar with genetic, molecular and/ or cell biology techniques. Such as western blot, RT-qPCR, ELISAs, cloning, mammalian cell culture, microscopy
• Have experience with programming skills such as R or Python 
• Are proficient in the English language

Fixed-term contract: 1 + 3 years.

Temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for another 3 years.

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels for PhD students starting with a salary of €2443.- with a yearly growth to €3122.- gross a month (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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 > About UM > Working at UM.

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 22,000 students and 5,000 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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.
For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.