PhD position in Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart failure, particularly in women after menopause. However, the mechanisms driving these sex-specific differences remain poorly understood. In this PhD project, you will investigate how adipose tissue-derived signals alter cardiac metabolism and function in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM).

The project combines cardiovascular physiology, molecular biology, metabolism, and translational research within the international SHEA-META consortium, bringing together researchers from Maastricht University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Lille.

PhD Candidate in Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

• Our goal: At the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), we aim to advance the understanding of how diabetes affects cardiac function at the cellular and molecular level. This PhD project focuses on identifying how adipose tissue-derived secreted factors and extracellular vesicles influence cardiomyocyte metabolism and contractility, and on validating newly identified biomarkers using human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The project contributes to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for diabetic cardiovascular disease.

• Your colleagues: You will be embedded within the Cardiology department at CARIM and work in a highly collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary environment. You will closely collaborate with researchers and clinicians across experimental, clinical, and computational disciplines, gaining exposure to cutting-edge cardiovascular research and advanced cellular models.
  

What you do

Your research focuses on understanding how adipose tissue-derived signals contribute to sex-specific differences in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Your tasks and responsibilities include:

• Investigating the effects of adipose tissue-derived secretome and extracellular vesicles on cardiomyocyte metabolism and contractility.
• Performing functional and molecular analyses using primary rodent cardiomyocytes and human stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte models.
• Performing metabolic substrate uptake assays, including glucose and fatty acid uptake measurements using radiolabeled tracers.
• Validating candidate biomarkers using approaches such as Seahorse analysis, qPCR, western blotting, and CRISPRa/i.
• Contributing to collaborative multi-omics and translational analyses across the international consortium.
• Publishing scientific papers and presenting your work at conferences.

The project includes close collaboration with partners in Oxford and Lille, with opportunities for international research visits.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
We’re interested in motivated researchers who are excited to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.

You recognize yourself in the following:

• A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Cardiovascular Research, (Bio)Medical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in cardiovascular metabolism and molecular or cellular biology.
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, or physiological techniques.
• Hands-on experience with cardiomyocyte models, Seahorse assays, microscopy, western blotting, qPCR, or stem cell models is considered an advantage.
• Interest in sex differences and metabolic disease.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently within a multi-disciplinary, international team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

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

• A 12-month contract (1  FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,-  and €3881,- (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. 
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

Interested?
Would you like to learn more about this position or what it is like to work at Maastricht University? Please submit your CV, motivation letter, grade transcript, and the contact details of two referees.

For more information, please contact Miranda Nabben at m.nabben@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

The vacancy will remain open until 12 August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the application deadline.

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!