Fixed-term

Your job Are you an ecologist with knowledge of birds and experience in field research? Do you have a passion for applied research on nature restoration in agricultural landscapes? Do you closely follow scientific developments in this field? If so, we would like to hear from you! Within the Animal Ecology team, we are expanding our capacity. We are looking for a researcher who wants to help carry out, shape, and strengthen applied research on farmland birds in agricultural areas. We are seeking someone who can place insights concerning these species groups within a broader ecological context. Examples include assessing the effects of restoration measures on different species groups in and around agricultural fields and understanding the functioning of the agricultural ecosystem as a whole. The ecological challenges facing agricultural landscapes are significant. At the same time, there are concerns about the feasibility of conservation measures and the future prospects of farming businesses. Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) works on a wide range of projects related to biodiversity in agricultural areas. Currently, there is a particular need to strengthen research on farmland birds. This includes conducting breeding bird surveys and locating nests of meadow and arable farmland birds, as well as analysing and reporting research findings. Knowledge of agricultural practices and agricultural policy (such as the Dutch Agri-Environment and Climate Management Scheme, ANLb, and the Nature Restoration Regulation) is a clear advantage. In this role, you will work within project teams on projects focused on the monitoring, protection, and restoration of biodiversity. You will conduct fieldwork, process and interpret research results, and contribute to publications, including Dutch-language reports and articles as well as peer-reviewed scientific papers. You will help identify and develop new project opportunities and may eventually take the lead in acquisition activities. The Animal Ecology team consists of researchers/project leaders, laboratory staff, and field staff working in the fields of mammalogy, ornithology, entomology, reptile and amphibian ecology, soil ecology, and ecological genetics. We undertake work commissioned by (local) governments, land managers, NGOs, businesses, as well as research supported by national and international scientific funding. We conduct high-quality, independent research focused on the protection, restoration, and management of wild fauna. Through applied research, we make our knowledge and expertise available to help safeguard the quality of our natural environment, now and in the future. Your qualities Academic level of thinking and working, with a relevant university degree in ecology, biology, or a related field. Strong awareness of current developments in biodiversity, nature conservation, and (nature-inclusive) agriculture. A team player who is willing to look beyond their own discipline and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams. Knowledge of the ecology and taxonomy of (farmland) birds and associated research techniques. Willingness to work on biodiversity issues concerning a broader range of species groups in agricultural landscapes. Experience with QGIS and ecological statistics is an advantage. Experience with project management and project-based working is an advantage. Strong communication skills. Excellent written and spoken command of both Dutch and English. We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.399,- and €5.478,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended – if possible within (company) organizational circumstances – on good performance. We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledgemigrant”. Important information For more information about the position, please contact im Visser, senior researcher, tim.visser@wur.nlQuestions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@wur.nl. Ready to apply?Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered. You can apply up to and including 10 augustus 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 20 July 2026. Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date. Welcome, safe, and valuedWageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

Welcome to Maastricht University! Are you fascinated by how lipids and comorbidities shape cardiovascular health? Step into the world of the European doctoral network LipidBRIGHT to uncover lipid signaling, iPSC derived models and metabolism drive disease—and innovate future therapies. PhD Candidate: Lipids and Cardiovascular Risk (LipidBRIGHT Doctoral Network) Our goal: To train the next generation of scientists who bridge basic, clinical, and translational lipid and iPSC research to combat cardiovascular disease and related disorders. Your colleagues: You will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and PhD students within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) and across the LipidBRIGHT consortium, which includes leading European universities, research institutes, SMEs, and industry partners. A PhD position is available at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, within the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network LipidBRIGHT. The 36-month project will commence in 2026, is hosted by Maastricht University and will be performed in collaboration with the 7 other European partners of the LipidBRIGHT consortium. The LipidBRIGHT ConsortiumLipids are of vital importance through integration in cell membranes, as energy source and in cellular signaling and function. As such, they also play decisive roles in cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer and chronic inflammatory disease. These diseases affect 33%, 60%, 10% and 33% of Europeans, and are responsible for >60% of global deaths.The European Doctoral Network LipidBRIGHT combines scientists, clinicians, companies and stakeholder organisations with expertise in these disease fields. By integrating expertise in lipids from the clinical, biomedical, technological and data science field across disease borders and by transferring complementary knowledge and technology, LipidBRIGHT aims to speed up innovations towards improved disease prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. LipidBRIGHT will train scientists in a close cooperation between academia, SMEs and industry partners. Key objectives are to provide: 1) Excellent scientific training on interdisciplinary level, covering lipid biochemistry and pathophysiology as well as clinical application; 2) Excellent complementary skills in personal and career development as well as business training required to extend beyond scientific research; and 3) Exposure to both academic and non- academic environments, required to build bridges between researchers and entrepreneurs and support the future translation of research findings in innovative products and services. LipidBRIGHT builds on available patient cohorts, advanced technologies and established cooperations and strives to synergistically improve structural training on European level. LipidBRIGHT will nurture the development of young, broadly-trained scientists able to successfully bridge clinical with basic research as well as academia and industry, which is a cornerstone in effectively combatting complex diseases as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer and chronic inflammatory disease. Contributing partners in LipidBRIGHT: Universiteit Maastricht (NL), Catholic University Leuven (BE), University Hasselt (BE), University Hospital Jena (DE), INSERM (FR), University Utrecht (NL), SciCross (SE), RD –Néphrologie SAS (FR), University of Bern (CH). For more information: https://www.cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101225380 Doctoral project (Promotors: Prof. Dr. Joachim Jankowski, Dr. Heidi Noels, Prof. Dr. Leon Schurgers, CARIM) Identification of novel regulators of pathological processes underlying cardiorenal disease and comorbidity crosstalk This project focuses on pathological processes associated with cardiorenal disease and its common comorbidities, such as diabetes and periodontal inflammation. The work aims to study novel disease mechanisms and disease mediator candidates to improve the understanding of comorbidity development and crosstalk, and identify disease biomarkers and mediators. Methods that will be used include a wide range of cellular and molecular methods, with a strong focus on cell culture work including the generation and study of iPSC-derived stem cells to unravel novel insights into disease mechanisms (e.g. smooth muscle cells, periodontal stem cells). We will also use mass spectrometry tools for the identification and characterization of disease mediators and biomarkers. The findings are expected to support patient stratification and therapy guidance. The project blends expertise in molecular and cellular analyses to advance cardiorenal health and reduce comorbidity burden. Foreseen project start: 01.10.2026 What you bringWe are looking for ambitious, dedicated, and precise individuals who: Hold an MSc in Regenerative Medicine, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related natural sciences (before 01-10-2026). Are highly motivated, independent, and collaborative. Have an interest in cardiovascular and cardiorenal research, inflammation and disease crosstalk. Have especially a strong experience in cell culture, especially in iPSCs and related stem cell work and strong interest to develop further in this field. Have experience in cellular and molecular biology, and interest to learn mass spectrometry. EligibilityApplicants must comply with EU Doctoral Network mobility rules: doctoral candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding recruitment. Candidates of any nationality are eligible. What we offerAs a PhD student at Maastricht University, you will receive: A 3-year, full-time (1.0 FTE) contract with an evaluation after the first 12 months. A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and €3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Intensive guidance and structured training across the LipidBRIGHT consortium. Flexible working hours and hybrid work options, including commuting and internet allowance. 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays, plus up to 12 additional compensation days. Excellent secondary employment benefits, including ABP pension, company fitness, and access to sports facilities. Opportunities for personal and professional development through UM training programs and initiatives. About Maastricht UniversityAt Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future: the future of our students and society. With over 22,300 students and 5,000 staff across 6 faculties, UM provides an international and inspiring environment. Our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method ensures students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. About FHMLThe 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. Interested?For more information, contact Dr. Heidi Noels (Heidi.noels@maastrichtuniversity.nl). To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and reference letter.  Review of applications will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the

Welcome to Maastricht University! Plant based protein sources are essential for the transition towards a more sustainable food system. However, food products derived from these proteins are often commercially less attractive because of their bitter taste and the presence of compounds that interfere with nutrient uptake (anti-nutrients). In this project we aim to stimulate binding between proteins and polyphenols to induce: (1) a reduction of bitterness in food products containing plant proteins; (2) a more nutritious product through the deactivation of anti-nutrients and improved polyphenol absorption. PhD Candidate: Modulating plant-based nutrition to enhance the sensory aspects and nutritional value Our goal: to enhance the quality of plant-based protein products by stimulating the binding between proteins and polyphenols, in order to reduce bitterness, deactivate anti-nutrients, and improve polyphenol absorption. Your colleagues: This multi-disciplinary and challenging project called SENSSUPPLANTPRO will be performed at multiple locations (primarily in Venlo and in partly in Maastricht, both at Maastricht University, the Netherlands) within the research group Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health. The Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health group is part of the department of Human Biology in Maastricht and Sustainable Nutrition in Venlo. The research facilities of Maastricht University – campus Venlo are located in Brighthouse/Villa Flora, in the Venlo region. The Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health group, where the research will be carried out, has a close collaboration with the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and the VieCuri Medical Centre in Venlo. The research facilities include dietary intervention facilities, clinical intervention laboratories, an exercise physiology lab, analytical facilities, a molecular biology lab and cell culture lab. What you do The PhD candidate will: Modulate the binding between proteins derived from lupin and polyphenols in isolated form or within existing food products; Use different in vitro digestion models such as the INFOGEST model and/or the TIM-1 dynamic model, to determine the effect of the food matrix on nutrient bioaccessibility and protein-polyphenol interactions; perform in vitro research using gastric, intestinal and colonic epithelial cell lines (e.g. NCI-N87, Caco-2) and organoid models combined with microbiota models to investigate intestinal absorption; Execute sensory profiling of food products through descriptive analysis and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) in trained and untrained panels and hedonic evaluation in panels of general consumers considering taste, smell and mouthfeel acceptance; Write a project proposal and obtain medical ethical approval for a randomized controlled trial; plan, coordinate and perform a human dietary intervention study; Write high-quality papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals (under supervision); stay up to date with the relevant scientific literature within the field; Complete a PhD thesis within 4 years; Analyze data and present research outcomes at group meetings, national and international conferences, and consortium meetings; collaborate with a multidisciplinary, cross-border team of researchers and stakeholders from the food supply chain, including consumers, companies focused on flavour perception, producers of protein-rich foods and suppliers of alternative protein ingredients; set up and maintain collaborations with academic and industrial partners; Perform biochemical laboratory analyses, microscopy analyses and accompanying data analyses; design and carefully execute experimental work, including handling and maintenance of cell lines; Supervise research assistants and students where appropriate. Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.  What you bring We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?Next to a strong team-oriented mindset and excellent planning and organizational skills you bring:    Master Degree (MSc) in a relevant field, such as Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Health Sciences, Nutrition or Sensory Sciences; Experience with in vitro research including cell culture and molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, biochemical analyses are required, while an SMT certificate and experience with organoid culture is an advantage); Advanced skills in biostatistics, including the ability to independently perform statistical analyses on datasets using statistical software; Experience or demonstrated affinity with sensory studies/analyses is preferred; Experience with performing and/or designing clinical studies is considered an advantage; Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English; proficiency in Dutch and/or German is an advantage due to interaction with regional study participants in a clinical setting. What we offerAt Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:  A 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension. A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and € 3.881 (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.  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. About the Department of Human Biology The Department of Human Biology is part of the Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), within the Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) of Maastricht University. The central research theme of the Department of Human Biology is Healthy Living with Obesity, Sarcopenia, Energy metabolism and Cardiometabolic Health as spearheads. About NUTRIM NUTRIM – Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism is part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. Around 450 researchers, including 300 PhD candidates and 65 support staff, collaborate across 21 biomedical, clinical, and behavioural science departments. NUTRIM advances health

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 offerAt 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! Apply Now

Welcome to Maastricht University! Why do sleepless nights make pain worse – and why does pain keep us awake? In this PhD project, you will join an interdisciplinary team investigating cognitive and learning mechanisms that drive the common association between chronic pain and insomnia, generating insights with direct impact on clinical practice and patient wellbeing. PhD Candidate Cognitive and learning mechanisms underlying the pain-sleep cycle Our goal: This interdisciplinary project aims to understand the temporal, causal, and mechanistic links between chronic pain and insomnia. By integrating experimental, longitudinal, and clinical research, we investigate how cognitive and learning processes maintain and amplify this cycle, ultimately informing improved treatments. Your colleagues: You will work within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team across the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), supervised by Dr. Dimitri Van Ryckeghem and Dr. Ree Meertens, alongside experts in clinical psychology, sleep research, CBT for insomnia, and large-scale longitudinal data analysis. These research groups offer an international, productive, collaborative, and interactive environment. The candidate will join the Dutch-Flemish Postgraduate School ‘Experimental Psychopathology’ (http://epp-research.eu), which will provide additional training and facilitate networking and collaboration with other researchers in the field of experimental psychopathology. This PhD position is strategically positioned at the intersection of mental health research and treatment innovation. Your work will directly contribute to advancing mechanistic understanding and improving interventions for two highly prevalent and comorbid health conditions. What you do Design and execute innovative experimental lab studies on the role of cognitive and learning processes within the pain–sleep cycle. Implement and evaluate a digital insomnia intervention in chronic pain populations. Apply advanced statistical and computational modelling techniques to analyze complex nested and already existing longitudinal datasets. Collaborate with clinical partners and interdisciplinary researchers. Disseminate research findings via scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Contribute to a culture of open science and methodological rigor. Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. What you bringWe’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this? Education background: You have a (research) master’s degree in a relevant field, including psychology, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or neuroscience. Research mindset: You are skilled in experimental design and have a strong interest in cognitive, clinical, or health psychology. Strong programming and analytical skills: You have experience or affinity with experimental programming and advanced statistical methods and data analysis, ideally with longitudinal or experimental data (or a strong interest and willingness to acquire these skills). Clinical affinity: You have an interest in clinical populations and interventions, and are motivated to translate research insights into clinical relevance. Communication skills: Excellent proficiency and communication skills in English language, both verbally as well as in writing. Proficiency in Dutch is considered a strong advantage. Collaborative attitude: You enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams and engaging with both academic and clinical stakeholders. What we offer  At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:  A 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension, based on mutual satisfaction A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881  (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. 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 Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behavior. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society. Interested? Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Dimitri Van Ryckeghem at Dimitri.vanryckeghem@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31433884049. The end date of the publication is 31 July 2026. If you apply, please include: Please upload a full CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts Include contact details of (at least) two referees (recommendation letters are optional) The preferred starting date of this PhD project is 01-10-2026 (but this is negotiable). A first interview round will be held on 18-08-2026. A second round is expected to be held end August/ beginning September. Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!   Apply Now