Job description:

We are looking for an ambitious, highly self-motivated postdoctoral researcher who preferably is trained in human intervention research, or willing to learn so. The Postdoc will be involved in supervising and performing human experimental intervention trials to unravel the working mechanisms of novel, antidiabetic drugs (phase 2a/b). Focus will be on a thorough characterization of muscle and liver metabolism and insulin sensitivity. For this, we will make use of techniques such as indirect calorimetry, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A strong (international) research group and -network is available to aid in the execution of the project and to receive additional training.

Project description:

Our research group has made major contributions to the field by showing among others the effect of acute cold exposure on insulin sensitivity in diabetes patients (Hansen M. et al. Nat Med, 2015) and more recently that day-night shifts lead to insulin resistance (Wefers et al PNAS 2018). These studies have focused on mechanisms in muscle and liver that can explain these effects. In the current project, we will perform experimental investigation of novel antidiabetes drugs in human volunteers, including type 2 diabetes patients. The projects are funded by pharmaceutical industry and interaction with industry is an important part of the project. Human intervention studies will be performed to understand via which mechanisms type 2 diabetes can be prevented or treated.

PhD in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences or Health Sciences (or equivalent), with demonstrated affinity and/or experience with human intervention research. Good communication and organizational skills are required as well as qualifications to work in a team. The candidate should be highly motivated to perform in cutting edge research in an ambitious research team. Due to interaction with test subjects, mastering the Dutch language before the project starts is a prerequisite. MD’s are encouraged to respond, we also have positions for shorter duration if needed.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

The full-time position is offered for two years, with the possibility to extend the appointment with a positive evaluation after two years. The salary will be set in Postdoc salary scale 10 or 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities depending on relevant work experience. On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance.

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.

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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

NUTRIM - School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism / Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences

Our research at the department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, is devoted to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a focus on (energy) metabolism.

Our department is part of research school NUTRIM - School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism

NUTRIM aims to contribute to health maintenance and personalised medicine by unraveling lifestyle and disease-induced derangements in metabolism and by developing targeted nutritional, exercise and drug interventions.

This is facilitated by a state of the art research infrastructure and close interaction between scientists, clinicians, master and PhD students.

• 18 million euros annual budget
• annually more than 500 publications in Science Citation indexed journals
• about 395 researchers, including 245 PhD students, and 70 support staff
• continuum from fundamental to clinical and applied research
• led by Prof. Annemie Schols

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/school-nutrition-and-translational-research-metabolism