Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you aware that hypoxia is a common feature of human solid cancers that contributes to therapy resistance and metastasis development? In part, this is caused by communication via extracellular vesicles. In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of an important and newly identified subpopulation of extracellular vesicles. The work performed will stretch from basal and mechanistic understanding how these EV function and contribute to cancer progression. The work will therefore stretch from basic biology to in vivo efficacy determination.
PhD student on extracellular vesicles in cancer
PhD student to unravel mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of hypoxic extracellular vesicles in cancer.
- Our goal: Identify the mechanism why these specific EV appear to be targeted to specific recipient cells and exploit this knowledge for potential therapeutic interventions.
- Your colleagues: A collaborative team at the dept. of Radiotherapy. Furthermore, as part of a Flemish-Dutch consortium, you will benefit from expertise and collaboration with Uhasselt and KULeuven.
The dept. of Radiotherapy is a basic and translational research laboratory embedded within the GROW research institute of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. The radiotherapy lab is shared with the group “Precision Medicine’ and collectively accommodates 8 permanent scientists, 6 technicians, more than 10 PhD students and Post-Docs and is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology (e.g. flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy) and working with animals (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT & gantry, MRI 7 Tesla and micro-PET). The dept of radiotherapy has set up the necessary infrastructure for controlled exposures to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, including development of novel equipment that allows rapid and controlled changes in oxygenation. Access to expertise, equipment and resources within the much larger GROW research institute and other facilities in the University are also readily available, including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal facility. To strengthen our research activities we are looking for a Phd-student to unravel the mechanism of action of hypoxia-specific extracellular vesicles with the aim to assess its therapeutic potential.
The project is part of an international consortium. An additional PhD-student will be recruited (KULeuven/UHasselt) that will focus on EV secreted by non-cancerous pathologies and setting up a platform to detect hypoxic EV in complex fluids such as plasma. The both of you will benefit from each others expertise and input.
The proposed work in this vacancy will be executed at the lab of the dept. of Radiotherapy (UM, group Prof. K. Rouschop/dr. T. Keulers). A large number of techniques and collaborations with experts in the field of extracellular vesicles will be at your disposal.
What you do
In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of an important and newly identified subpopulation of extracellular vesicles. The work performed will stretch from basal and mechanistic understanding how these EV function and contribute to cancer progression. The work will therefore stretch from “wet-lab” experiments to in vivo application.
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?
- Creative and ambitious – You are hard-working, creative and persistent.
- Strong academic foundation – You have (or will have before start) a MSc degree in Bio-medical-, bio-pharmaceutical sciences or another relevant programme.
- Art 9 certification to work with animals or willingness to obtain art 9 certification
- Collaborative mindset – You communicate clearly and contribute effectively within a research team.
- Fluent in English – You have strong spoken and written English skills (C1 level).
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.
- Your salary will be € 3,059 gross per month in the first year and up to a maximum of € 3,881 gross per month in the last fourth year (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?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Kasper Rouschop at Kasper.rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
The end date of the publication is 15 March 2026. Please upload your CV, motivation letter and contact information of 2 referees.
The interviews for this position will take place mid-April 2026.
The preferred start date is June 2026.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!
About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
