PhD in Spatial multi-omics and single cell analysis of human diseases

Maastricht University; Maastricht; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month contract with extension

Gross monthly salary €3,204–€4,051

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

29 vacation days (+4 extra)

Home office allowance & option to work

ABP pension plan

Job summary

Maastricht University invites applications for a research-focused position in the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute. You will join a multidisciplinary team and advance spatial multi-omics and single-cell analysis within a dynamic environment.

You will work under the supervision of Dr. Eva Cuypers, contributing to cutting-edge imaging, data analysis, and collaborative projects across departments, with opportunities for career development and networking.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, (Bio)Chemistry or related field.
• Proficiency in English (CEFR C1 or higher).
• Hands-on lab experience in molecular analysis of biological systems.
• Ability to conduct practical research activities and data collection/analysis.
• Clear scientific communication in spoken and written English.
• Familiarity with imaging technologies such as spatial MS or spatial transcriptomics.
• Knowledge of mass spectra interpretation and ion beams/optics.
• Experience with laser-based imaging systems and data processing.
• Programming skills in R or Python for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to method development and translational biomedical research.
• Collaborate with experts in molecular imaging, mass spectrometry and clinical research.
• Engage in national and international research collaborations.

Skills

Laboratory work

Scientific communication

Data analysis (R/Python)

Education

Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Imaging technologies

Laser-based imaging

Job description

Our goal: We seek to advance the understanding of human disease by integrating spatial multi-omics and single-cell approaches. Combining molecular information across tissues, cell populations and local microenvironments enables us to uncover disease-driving mechanisms, identify novel biomarkers and support the development of more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Your colleagues: You will join the multidisciplinary research environment of the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, embedded within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University. You will collaborate with experts in molecular imaging, mass spectrometry, computational biology, pathology and clinical research. You will be supervised by Dr. Eva Cuypers and become part of M4i's vibrant and internationally recognized research community. The position offers extensive opportunities for method development, translational biomedical research and participation in national and international collaborations.

• A master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, (Bio)Chemistry, Analytical Science and Technology, or a related subject
• Proficiency in English (C1 or higher according to CEFR)
• Hands-on basic laboratory experience in the molecular analysis of biological systems
• Interest in and ability to carry out practical research activities, including experimental work, data collection and analysis.
• The ability to communicate scientific information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing in English.
• Imaging technologies (example spatial mass spectrometry, spatial transcriptomics, clinical imaging techniques)
• Mass spectrometry (theoretical and/or practical experience in reading mass spectra and understanding the information they provide about the molecular composition of samples)
• Ion beams and ion optics (knowledge of the principles of ion beams and ion optics, including their role in the generation, manipulation or focusing of ions in analytical instruments)
• Laser based imaging systems (knowledge of or experience with laser-based imaging systems and their application in imaging or analysing biological samples)
• Data science and data analysis (experience with data processing, statistical analysis and interpretation of research data, as well as familiarity with programming languages such as R or Python)
• Biological sample preparation (experience with the preparation and handling of biological samples for analysis, including the safe handling of human biological materials in accordance with relevant laboratory procedures)

• A 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.204 and €4.051 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.

• Motivation letter
• Copies of your tertiary degrees
• Contact details of at least two references.