About the projects

Per June 1st, 2024, we have 3 vacancies for PhD student to work in the Department of Physiology at Amsterdam UMC (ultimate start date September 1st, 2024). We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate for one of the projects that is funded by ZonMW:

Dr. E. Eringa/J. de Winter – Muscles in a dish for discovering the origins of type 2 diabetes

In this project, we will study disrupted communication between fat tissue, capillaries and muscle cells as an early cause of type 2 diabetes. We will create human muscles in a dish from muscle fibres with human capillary endothelial cells and organ fat tissue from people with type 2 diabetes. We will identify new messengers within and between cells that impair glucose uptake, and thereby develop solutions for the current diabetes pandemic.

Within the project, we will closely collaborate with a second PhD student and a clinician located at Maastricht University and Maastricht UMC+, who will perform studies in animals and patients.

As a PhD student you will work in an internationally-orientated research environment, where your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Set-up, plan and conduct experimental studies, often in collaboration with other researchers within or outside the Department of Physiology;
• Train MSc and BSc students who work with you on your project;
• Writing and publishing scientific manuscripts and other reports on study results;
• Present and disseminate research results at (international) conferences.

This work will result in a PhD thesis based in international, peer-reviewed publications. Training in research and transferable skills are part of the PhD trajectory.

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with:

• A master’s degree in a field related to biomedical sciences, with preference for experience in physiology or cardiovascular sciences;
• Experience with (endothelial or cardiac) cell culture, protein biochemistry, in vitro models using iPSC technology, advanced cellular imaging techniques is a plus;
• Affinity for biochemistry, physiology and (for one of the positions) computational biology;
• A flexible and pro-active attitude with team spirit, but a strong ability to work independently;
• A ‘can-do’ mentality, with patience, precision and perseverance;
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

• We offer an initial contract for 12 months that can be extended (after evaluation) for another 36 months.
• Salary scale: OIO: € 3.017 - € 3.824 gross based on a 36 hour week.
• The monthly wage will increase yearly to the maximum wage in the fourth year of € 3.824 gross per month.
• In addition we offer:
• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• The opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).
• For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website Bekijk alle arbeidsvoorwaarden van Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC

The Department of Physiology at Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc) performs research in the
areas of physiology, structure and function of the heart, skeletal muscle and blood vessels.

Our research groups use state-of-the-art physiological and imaging setups, animal models, stem cell-derived (3D) models, and human tissues to study structure/function relationships in different organs, focused on the pathophysiology and molecular basis of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. For more information, please visit the website: www.physiologyamsterdam.org

The department is embedded in the Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS) research institute of Amsterdam UMC and in the Amsterdam Heart Center (division 3). As a PhD student, you will therefore be part of the largest cardiovascular community in the Netherlands, including >1000 researchers and clinicians.

Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment in
which developing one’s talents and skills is encouraged while developing solutions for health care challenges. We offer you ample opportunity for starting your career, additional training and a place to grow!