Tissue factor (TF) is the initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade and a risk factor for thrombotic disease. Uncontrolled thrombin generation and blood clot formation is the underlying cause of most heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thromboses (DVT), and pulmonary embolisms (PE). With that, thrombosis is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In this project, a tick-derived TF-binding protein will be investigated. Structure-activity relationship studies (SARs) of this protein, TF-binding properties, and its molecular interaction in thrombosis will be assessed using solution NMR, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), solution-phase affinity assays and molecular imaging techniques. Therefore, this tick protein, TF, and derivatives thereof will be synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis, native chemical ligation, and biological expression techniques. Subsequently, the chemically and biologically produced compounds will be analyzed by NMR. In vitro assays, such as cell-binding and thrombin generation assays, will be performed. The PhD student will be responsible for planning, performing the research, and analyzing the data obtained within this project. Additionally, he/she will write scientific publications and present research findings at scientific meetings.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated PhD student with well-developed social skills directed to work not only in a team, but also independently. As the project encompasses several disciplines, including chemical peptide and protein synthesis (mainly Boc-based), molecular biology (cell culture, protein expression) and biochemistry (protein purification, functional assays), the candidate should be able to pick up new techniques quickly.

The PhD student will join a small but dynamic research unit embedded in the Department of Biochemistry of Maastricht University. He/she will enjoy regular supervision, weekly lab meetings, the opportunity to attend PhD student courses and to present results in scientific meetings.

The successful applicant holds a Master’s degree within the Life Sciences (Chemistry, Molecular (Life)Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, is self-motivated and strongly committed to lab work, is a good team player but also able to work independently, and has excellent communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in chemistry/biochemistry and relevant research experience. Experience with protein NMR is a pre. Willingness to participate in teaching activities is also appreciated.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Temporary employment for 4 years. Your salary would be € 2.325,- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.972,- 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 www.maastrichtuniversity.nl

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/

CARIM

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 2018, 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.

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