PhD - Genetically Triggered Aortic Aneurysm Modelling Using 3D Vascular Tissues - Baa

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The world is changing fast, and we evolve with it. Here, your work has real impact – whether you are exploring future scientific breakthroughs, supporting clinical innovation, or helping build the foundations that make our research and education possible.

• Our goal
  :
  Advance personalised aortic therapeutics through next-generation 2D and 3D patient-specific vascular models.
• Your colleagues
  : A multidisciplinary team within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), embedded in the HVC–CARIM research environment.

Patients with genetically triggered aortopathies can develop extensive aneurysms and dissections at a young age, often affecting entire families. The consequences are severe, yet the genetic correlation remains poorly understood. To address this, we aim to create 3D in vitro vascular models that help predict aneurysm progression and vulnerability. As our new PhD candidate, you will contribute directly to this effort by developing patient‑specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived vascular tissues to assess disease severity, drug efficacy and the potential of gene‑correction therapies.

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary setting, bringing together vascular biology, genetics, tissue engineering and clinical research. Within FHML and the HVC–CARIM platform, you will collaborate closely with researchers, clinicians and technical specialists. You will help build a sustainable research infrastructure dedicated to aortic disease, one that connects scientific excellence with active patient engagement. If you are motivated by impactful biomedical research and enjoy working across disciplines, we would be excited to meet you.

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your mindset, motivation and potential. Does this sound like you?

• Scientifically grounded and eager to grow – You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (preferably in Cell Biology, Genetics or a comparable field) and are fluent in English. A Master’s degree in Cell Biology or equivalent is desirable.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience – You have essential experience in iPSC handling, cell culture and cell separation. Skills in flow cytometry, microscopy, genetics or protein structure analysis are considered an advantage.
• Strong understanding of cellular processes – Knowledge of cell behaviour, reactivity and phenotype is essential. Experience with vascular biology, inflammation or calcification is advantageous. Skills such as Western blotting, qPCR and ELISA are desirable.
• Analytical and communicative – You interpret scientific literature with ease, understand research workflows and maintain accurate records. You communicate clearly and work well with colleagues across the project.
• Organised and proactive – You can set priorities, manage your own work effectively and help coordinate activities across the project team.
• Curious and collaborative – You bring a flexible, cooperative attitude, are motivated to learn new techniques and maintain positive working relationships.
• Prepared for a dynamic research environment – You are willing to travel for research secondments and to work flexibly when needed to meet project goals.

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open and engaged environment. We offer:

• A position as PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), with employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,059.00 and €3,881.00 (based on full‑time employment of 38 hours per week), plus 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year‑end bonus.
• A 12‑month contract at 1.0 FTE, followed—upon positive evaluation—by a 3‑year extension.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home (depending on the nature of the position), including commuting and internet allowances.
• 29 vacation days plus four additional holidays (Carnival Monday & Tuesday, Good Friday and Liberation Day).
• The option to build up 12 additional days through compensation…