PhD student Systems Medicine of Inherited Metabolic Disease

Currently, we know more than 2,000 inherited metabolic diseases. To diagnose, treat, and monitor all of them, we need a generic approach to target groups of diseases effectively. Vitamin-derived coenzymes function as major hub molecules in metabolism, connecting many reactions. Therefore, they provide a promising starting point for nutritional therapies. The European HubMOL consortium brings together an international and interdisciplinary group of scientists to train PhD students in all aspects of coenzyme metabolism, from basic science to clinical and industrial applications. As one of the HubMOL nodes, the UMCG Laboratory of Pediatrics has a vacancy for a PhD student (https://uit.no/research/hubmol, doctoral candidate 15, DC15). The candidate will study the interplay between fatty-acid oxidation and coenzyme A metabolism, in order to develop novel nutrition-based therapies for inherited metabolic diseases in which coenzyme A plays a role.

Job Description
The PhD candidate will use computational models, cell culture and organoids (in vitro-cultured mini organs), to study the impact of enzyme deficiencies in the mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways. He/she will apply various mass spectrometry approaches to measure metabolite concentrations and fluxes, through stable-isotope incorporation. He/she will also use computational models to analyse isotope-enrichment kinetics and systemic effects of coenzyme A in metabolism. HubMOL PhD students will collaborate with each other internationally and across disciplines. An internship in one of the other HubMOL laboratories will be part of the project.

You have a masters degree in biochemistry, analytical (bio)chemistry cell biology, biomedical science, bioengineering, or equivalent, with a solid mathematical background and/or affinity for mathematical modelling. We favour candidates with expertise in mass spectrometry and/or mathematical modelling, but we are open to anybody with a relevant background, high motivation, capacity to learn new things, an attitude prone to interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong communicative skills. Excellent level of English speaking and writing skills is required.
Formal eligibility requirements to join the HubMOL consortium are found at: https://uit.no/research/hubmol#871843_buttoncont1. Of note, candidates can be of any nationality, but they are required to move physically from one country to another when taking up their appointment. Candidates shall not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date.

A full-time appointment for four years (36 hours a week). Your salary will be € 3.108 gross per month in the first year, and up to a maximum of € 3.939 gross per month in the last fourth year, depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed.
You can apply until 18 August 2025.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.