Project description
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a label-free molecular imaging technique for which no prior knowledge about the sample is needed. It enables the visualization of molecular distributions on solid surfaces using mass spectrometry by scanning the samples in a pixel-by-pixel manner where for each pixel a mass spectrum is generated. Visualization of molecular spatial distributions provides unique insights in many fields

The PhD project sets out to utilize the strengths and advantages of mass spectrometry imaging & mass spectrometry omics, to study the distribution and effect of the emerging drugs. During this project, a multimodal imaging approach will be used: Signals from more than one imaging technique will be combined to maximize the value from a study. Spatially resolved transcriptomics, on tissue proteomics & mass spectrometry imaging can be combined with Digital pathology & Artificial Intelligence. When applying this to a single sample or adjacent slices, we will have a better understanding of the pathophysiology, toxicology and drug-to-target efficacy. In term, the overlapping of these multiple molecular imaging techniques and AI data integration will provide a more in-depth understanding of the disease as well as the drug effect. In the end, our workflow will facilitate decision-making in future projects for early assessment of safety and efficacy at tissue/cell level as well as novel biomarker and target discovery.

The ideal candidate is talented and self-motivated and should hold at least a MSc degree or equivalent in biomedical sciences, analytical chemistry, biochemistry or physical chemistry or similar field and has both excellent laboratory skills and an interest in technology development fundamental science and its biological applications. The candidate has an excellent command of English, can write well, is capable of working in a multidisciplinary team and motivated to work in an international environment, independent and creative. The candidate should possess outstanding technical interests and skills and has an open, innovative attitude.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The position is a 4 year full time paid position and should result in a PhD degree at Maastricht University upon proven suitability. We offer a full-time position (38 hours/week) within Maastricht University at M4I, the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging institute. This project is funded by the CORE-lab facility. Therefore, the PhD student will also be asked to assist in CORE facility projects.

Your salary would be € 2.443,- gross per month in the first year up to € 3.122,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. 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 > 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.

M4i - Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute - division Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

M4i is a state-of-the art international institute that brings together a powerful palette of innovative molecular imaging technologies. Its mission is to perform fundamental, instrumentation and applied studies in molecular imaging as part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research programme that attracts top researchers from across the world.

Learn more about our institute on:
https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/m4i-division-imaging-mass-spectrometry