Job title:
PhD candidate on a stem cell therapy for cornea regeneration at the MERLN Institute
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionJob description
We seek a PhD candidate to join our team developing cell therapies for ophthalmic diseases and conditions. The overall aim of this project is to develop a new stem cell-derived therapy to restore vision in patients with corneal endothelial disease.The human cornea is a transparent tissue through which light enters the eye. Its innermost layer is composed of a tightly packed layer of corneal endothelial cells (hCEnCs). The density of our hCEnCs decreases with age, and diseases such as Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy or iatrogenic damage after surgery accelerate their loss, leading to corneal endothelial disease. The characteristic corneal oedema and opacity are a leading cause of blindness.The state-of-the-art treatment for corneal endothelial disease is a Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, namely the replacement of the dysfunctional layer of hCEnCs with tissue from a donor. Unfortunately, this therapy has shortcomings in both its availability and its efficacy. The supply of donor tissue is limited by stringent criteria. In fact, there are an estimated 12.7 M people worldwide awaiting treatment due to the lack of tissue availability.Our team is leading the RegMed XB Cornea Moonshot, a public-private partnership in which we aim to develop a cure corneal endothelial disease based on pluripotent stem cells differentiated into corneal endothelial cells and delivered to the diseased eye. This PhD project is primarily about improving the stem cell differentiation protocol, but we will also have collaborative activities with other partners and will take the first steps towards clinical translation by engaging with regulatory and IP experts and performing an in vivo pre-clinical study.Requirements
Candidates should possess a master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., in the biomedical sciences, molecular biology, etc.) or have experience that demonstrates their affinity for this topic if they have a different educational background. Candidates who have done their bachelor’s degree in a country where it is the norm to directly enter a PhD afterwards (e.g., USA) are welcome to apply without a master’s degree, but must demonstrate significant independent research experience (e.g., a research thesis and/or extracurricular research).The desired candidate has studied cell biology, particularly cell signalling. They should have practical skills in (stem) cell culture and several molecular techniques. Knowledge of cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and ophthalmology are all viewed positively but are not required.We are looking for creative thinkers who are prepared to take on highly challenging aims. The project will suit an ambitious candidate who wants to perform translational research. Excellent knowledge of scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing are required. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.What we offer
As PhD candidate on a stem cell therapy for cornea regeneration at the MERLN Instituteat Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
- Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
- An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
- At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
- As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
- Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, .Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.for more information about UM.Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of and master’s programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in ourRequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Maastricht University Country Netherlands City Maastricht Postal Code 6229HX Street P. Debyelaan 25 GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityMaastricht WebsiteStreetMinderbroedersberg 4 Postal Code6211 LKSTATUS: EXPIRED
Expected salary
Location
Maastricht, Limburg
Job date
Sat, 25 May 2024 22:32:01 GMT
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesineu.com) you saw this job posting.
