MSCA-DN PhD Position: Micronutrient and Electrolyte Levels During Recovery from Critical Illness Gelderse Vallei Hospital in Netherlands

This fully funded PhD position, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (BIO-MICRO), focuses on micronutrient and electrolyte levels during recovery from critical illness. Hosted at Gelderse Vallei Hospital in Ede, Netherlands, and Wageningen University & Research, the project aims to improve outcomes for ICU survivors by optimizing nutrition strategies and investigating the impact of micronutrient status on post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

As a PhD candidate, you will lead a multidisciplinary research project assessing micronutrient status in ICU and post-ICU patients, exploring associations with recovery across physical, cognitive, and psychological domains. The project addresses key knowledge gaps in functional micronutrient status and its relationship to patient outcomes, with the broader goal of developing personalized micronutrient therapy for critical illness.

Your responsibilities include conducting a systematic review, coordinating a large-scale prospective cohort study, applying advanced methodologies to assess nutritional status and recovery, collecting and analyzing clinical data, and preparing scientific outputs. You will actively participate in BIO-MICRO network meetings, workshops, and secondments, and contribute to ongoing clinical studies within the research group.

The working environment is highly collaborative, involving intensivists, nurses, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, and researchers. You will be embedded in the Intensive Care Medicine Research Group at Gelderse Vallei Hospital and appointed as an external PhD candidate within the VLAG Graduate School at Wageningen University & Research, Department of Human Nutrition and Health. Supervision is provided by Imre Kouw (Assistant Professor), Arthur van Zanten (Professor of Nutrition and Metabolic Stress), and external partners at Martini Hospital in Groningen.

A 12-month secondment at Wageningen University is planned, focusing on laboratory analysis of micronutrient levels and clinical studies in healthy volunteers. Training in applicable analysis methods will be provided. The hospital is recognized nationally and internationally for its emphasis on nutrition, physical activity, and sleep in patient care, integrating scientific research directly into clinical practice.

Applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree, demonstrate excellent English communication skills, and meet MSCA mobility and eligibility requirements. Experience in clinical or laboratory research, data analysis, and multidisciplinary collaboration is advantageous. The position is funded by MSCA, offering a competitive salary, living, mobility, and family allowances, structured training, secondments, and conference participation.

Apply online via the Gelderse Vallei Hospital portal by 31 May 2026. For further information, contact [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for candidates eager to contribute to innovative research in clinical nutrition, critical care, and patient recovery.