Explore the molecular mechanisms underlying acute decompensated heart using diverse ex vivo and in vitro animal and human model systems within a dynamic European consortium.

Job Description:
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research on Metabolic therapies to treat Acute Decompensated Heart Failure. As a postdoctoral researcher you play a direct role in a European consortium funded by the European Union and the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO). Within the project human cardiac biopsies, engineered heart tissue models, and rodent cardiomyocytes will be used to uncover acute decompensated heart failure's molecular mechanisms and predict drug responses. The focus extends to understanding how drugs influence cardiomyocytes' metabolism and function. Additionally, you'll contribute to differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes to establish representative human engineered heart tissues.

We are currently seeking a dedicated scientist with expertise in wet lab techniques.
Previous experience in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic research is advantageous. We offer a three-year position, with a 100% research focus within the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML). CARIM provides an interdisciplinary research environment where you will collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to develop collaborative research and contribute to the active research environment of the group. Furthermore, as part of an international consortium, you will collaborate with researchers from different countries.

Responsibilities:
As a postdoc, your responsibilities include: conducting independent research within a laboratory environment, presenting/publishing findings, mentoring students, networking, grant writing, collaborating with peers, and teaching.

Requirements:

• You hold a PhD in biomedical sciences, molecular life sciences, biology or medicine, ideally on a topic related to cardiovascular and/or metabolic research;
• You have expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and/or cell culturing;
• You are motivated and passionate about research;
• You have good communication skills, are open to interdisciplinary collaboration and like to work in teams;
• You are flexible and take initiative and ownership;
• You are fluent in English (orally and written).

What we offer
As Postdoctoral Researcher on Metabolic therapies to treat Acute Decompensated Heart Failure at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 according to UFO profile Onderzoeker, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4332,00 and €5929,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 36 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact dr. M. Nabben at M.Nabben@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Lisa Turcotte (Recruiter) at lisa.turcotte@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral Researcher on Metabolic therapies to treat Acute Decompensated Heart Failure? Apply now, no later than 25 June 2024, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, grade list (Master's degree. If your grades are not readily available, you may proceed without them), contact information of 2 referees, research plan and publication list.

For your 1-page research plan, please include the following elements:

• Title and Summary;
• Research Objectives;
• Background and Rationale;
• Methodology;
• Expected Outcomes;
• Relevance to the Project.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

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.