The team is embedded in the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) of Maastricht University Medical Center and studies the role of hypoxia, inflammation and matrix turnover in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis develops in the large arteries under the influence of high plasma cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. Our group investigates the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which is the actual cause of a myocardial infarct and / or stroke. We already know that this is partly due to a disturbed connective tissue production and degradation. In this project, supported by a prestigious Dutch VIDI grant, we will now investigate the underlying cause of this, focusing on mesenchymal-derived cells, only recently detected in human and murine atherosclerosis. This intriguing cell exists in different subtypes, has great impact on matrix turnover, interacts with inflammatory cells and can stimulate the formation of new microscopic blood vessels (angiogenesis) in other pathologies, but its function and heterogeneity in atherosclerosis is unknown.

Here, we will use a very new technology to study the expression profiles of individual cells: single cell sequencing. Until recently, we looked at expression in whole pieces of tissue, containing all kinds of different cells and subtypes, and it was impossible to determine the contribution of one cell type. This new technology offers the possibility to recognize new subtypes and study their function. The aim of the project is to detect new subtypes of mesenchyme-derived cells in the vessel wall and to investigate whether they can repair the disturbed inflammation, and matrix turnover in plaques in order to prevent  myocardial infarct and / or stroke in the future.

The experimental techniques involve basic research in cell culture models of cell death,  genetic and pharmaceutical interventions in animal models of atherosclerosis with fluorescent reporters for markers expressed by new and established matrix-producing cells, and analysis of human plaque biopsies. Specific techniques include single cell sequencing, isolation of cell populations by flow assisted cell sorting, flow cytometry, gene silencing, gene/protein expression analysis, immunohistochemistry and high content, automated (confocal) microscopy with fluorescent probes to analyse collagen production, cell death, proliferation, migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, lipid uptake, etc.

CARIM offers an outstanding scientific environment including shared core-facilities equipped with state-of-art instrumentation and knowledge, and an international reputation of excellence in research. The pathology lab consists of 20 international researchers involved in inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque stability. An extensive network of local, national and international collaborations is maintained with leading research groups.

Applicants should have a degree in Biology, Health Sciences or Medicine with an interest in cardiovascular research. Individuals with prior experience in cell culture and/or small animal models are encouraged to apply.  You should display great team spirit, perseverance, a driven, independent and curious nature, international orientation,  and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Temporary employment for 4 years. Your salary would be € 2.266,- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.897,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. Each year an evaluation will take place.

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 https://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 Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases

The Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), School for Cardiovascular Diseases, is one of the top institutes for translational cardiovascular research in Europe. It is among the world leaders in the fields of research into vascular and thrombotic disorders and atrial fibrillation as well as translational heart failure research. It has also made important international contributions to molecular imaging in the cardiovascular field.

With an annual budget of approximately 22 mln Euros in 2017, CARIM is one of the largest cardiovascular research institutes in Europe, producing more than 500 scientific articles and approximately 40 PhD dissertations per year. CARIM employs 250 researchers from 13 disciplines, about 100 PhD students and 40 technical and support staff members.

Over the last ten years, CARIM papers have been published in high-impact journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Nature Medicine, Nature Cell Biology, Cell Metabolism, Journal of Experimental Medicine, Circulation, Lancet Neurology, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Bibliometric analyses illustrate that CARIM publications have been cited 1.97 times more often than the world average for the cardiovascular field in the period of 2009 until 2012.

CARIM is recognized by the KNAW as a research school and as an international training site for Early Stage Researchers in the framework of the Marie Curie Program.

Cardiovascular scientists from around the world join CARIM because it values open communication, close cooperation, high ambitions, good facilities and a critical learning environment.

Cardiovascular scientists from around the world join CARIM because it values open communication, close cooperation, high ambitions, good facilities and a critical learning environment. 

https://www.carimmaastricht.nl/?culture=en-GB