MSCA-DN PhD Position: Functional markers of micronutrient status

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in critically ill patients and can delay recovery. Current diagnostics are limited, often relying on fixed-dose supplementation instead of personalised strategies.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions–funded BIO-MICRO project aims to develop functional biomarkers to assess micronutrient status. This research will identify patient subphenotypes most likely to benefit from targeted micronutrient therapy, combining metabolic pathway mapping, LC-MS/ICP-MS measurements, and FAIR semantic data models.

A multicentre, prospective, observational clinical study will include ICU patient samples. Concentration patterns of micronutrients and metabolites will be analysed to link deficiencies with disease type and severity, ultimately enabling predictive modeling for clinical application.

Research Fellowship 3 (RF3): Functional markers of micronutrient status
Duration: 48 months
Supervisors:

• Dr Angelique de Man (Amsterdam UMC)
• Dr Maurits de Rotte (Amsterdam UMC)
• Dr Frans van der Horst (Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center)
• Dr Lennard Dekker (Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center)

As PhD candidate, you will coordinate and perform:

• Mapping metabolic pathways and identifying vitamin/trace element cofactors
• Developing semantic FAIR data models
• LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS method development
• Measuring functional biomarkers in ICU patient samples
• Predictive modeling for clinical application

You will also undertake two intersectoral secondments of six months each in Delft and Appingedam. The project is designed to result in a successful PhD thesis.

We are looking for a motivated and proactive researcher who thrives in interdisciplinary teams, combines strong analytical skills with problem-solving ability, communicates findings clearly, and adapts flexibly to new challenges. The project is expected to result in the successful completion of a PhD thesis.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or analytical chemistry
• Excellent command of English; Dutch is a plus
• Knowledge of metabolic pathway analysis, semantic data modeling, and LC-MS metabolomics
• Commitment to FAIR data principles and translational research

Desirable skills (not essential):

• Experience with scientific or medical writing
• Laboratory experience

Note: Important strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs:

1. You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
2. At the time of the application deadline, you must also have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
3. As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie project, the position includes two intersectoral secondments of six months each at partner organisations in Appingedam and Delft.

This PhD position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) of the European Union's Europe 2024 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101226686.

• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here. As of 1 July 2026, the salary will be increased by 3.5% in accordance with the collective labor agreement (CAO UMC).
• You will receive a living allowance of €4,010 per month, adjusted with a country-specific correction factor and subject to local employer contributions and tax regulations. In addition, candidates will receive a monthly mobility allowance of €710. If applicable, a family allowance of €660 per month is provided for fellows with a spouse and/or dependent children. Successful applicants are also eligible for parental leave in accordance with Dutch legislation.
• Vacation hours: 190.4 per year based on full-time employment and possibility to save additional hours.
• Free and unlimited access to our online learning environment GoodHabitz.
• Pension accrual with the ABP, of which we pay 70% of the premium.
• Reimbursement of your public transport expenses. Do you prefer biking to work? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and Jong Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants require a valid residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands.

You will work in a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment across Amsterdam UMC, Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center and Diagnotix.

Within the Intensive Care department of Amsterdam UMC, you will join a large and dynamic research group consisting of approximately 40 PhD candidates and 5 postdoctoral researchers, supervised by 7 principal investigators across two locations (AMC and VUmc).

Training and development
In addition to local PhD training, you will participate in a comprehensive BIO-MICRO educational programme for the 13 Research Fellows. The programme combines monthly online interactive sessions (60–90 minutes) with four intensive three-day in-person workshops. Topics include epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical trial design, statistical computing, scientific writing, and academic and transferable skills development.

PhD candidates will complete two intersectoral secondments of six months each at partner organisations in Appingedam and Delft and have the opportunity to attend relevant international scientific conferences. This programme is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a critical care researcher.

This position is managed by a joint selection committee comprising representatives from Amsterdam UMC and the Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center. Both institutions will review all applications.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact us, at bio-micro@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, recruitment advisor, at c.i.edwards@amsterdamumc.nl.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.