PhD Position – Lipids and Cardiovascular Risk (LipidBRIGHT Doctoral Network) Maastricht University in Netherlands

Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD position in the LipidBRIGHT Doctoral Network, focusing on lipids and cardiovascular risk. This EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) project aims to train the next generation of scientists bridging basic, clinical, and translational lipid research to combat cardiovascular disease and related disorders. The position is based at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) and is part of a multidisciplinary team within the LipidBRIGHT consortium, which includes leading European universities, research institutes, SMEs, and industry partners.

The LipidBRIGHT Consortium integrates expertise in lipids from clinical, biomedical, technological, and data science fields across disease borders, transferring complementary knowledge and technology to accelerate innovations in disease prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. The consortium provides excellent scientific training at an interdisciplinary level, covering lipid biochemistry, pathophysiology, and clinical application, as well as complementary skills in personal and career development and business training. Exposure to both academic and non-academic environments is emphasized, supporting the translation of research findings into innovative products and services.

The doctoral project, supervised by Prof. Dr. Joachim Jankowski, Dr. Heidi Noels, and Prof. Dr. Leon Schurgers (CARIM), focuses on identifying novel regulators of pathological processes underlying cardiorenal disease and comorbidity crosstalk. The research will investigate disease mechanisms and mediator candidates to improve understanding of comorbidity development and crosstalk, and identify biomarkers for improved diagnosis and risk prediction. Methods include a wide range of cellular and molecular techniques, with a strong emphasis on stem cell use, mass spectrometry, and MALDI imaging for disease mediator and biomarker identification and characterization. The findings are expected to support patient stratification and therapy guidance.

Applicants should hold an MSc in Regenerative Medicine, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related natural sciences before 01-10-2026. Candidates must be highly motivated, independent, and collaborative, with an interest in cardiovascular and cardiorenal research, inflammation, and disease crosstalk. Experience in cell culture (preferably stem cells such as iPSCs), cellular and molecular biology, and willingness to learn mass spectrometry is required. Eligibility is subject to EU Doctoral Network mobility rules: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding recruitment. Candidates of any nationality are eligible.

The position offers a 3-year, full-time contract with an evaluation after the first 12 months, a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, flexible working hours, hybrid work options, commuting and internet allowance, 29 vacation days, 4 public holidays, up to 12 compensation days, ABP pension, company fitness, access to sports facilities, and opportunities for personal and professional development through UM training programs and initiatives.

Maastricht University is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that a diverse staff and student population enhances the quality of research and education. The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences focuses on prevention, health preservation, and promotion, integrating education, research, and care in close collaboration with Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML offers innovative bachelor’s and master’s programs and cutting-edge research in clinically relevant areas.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and reference letter via the application portal. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Review of applications will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email. For more information, contact Dr. Heidi Noels.