PhD-candidate at FHML-NUTRIM / depts. Human Biology and Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology-...

NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism at Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+) is seeking candidates to fill 1 position for a recently graduated, talented medical doctor as a PhD candidate, for a joint project of the department of Human Biology and the department of Internal Medicine/division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology.

Project Description
The progressive aging of our population imposes an increasing demand on our healthcare system. The greater morbidity among the elderly is associated with the progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. Apart from altered protein intake and muscle protein synthesis, this can also be affected by the intestinal digestion and absorption capacity. The resulting decline in lean body mass is accompanied by reduced physical performance, loss of functional capacity, and an increased risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases. Within the M3 research group (www.m3-research.nl ) at the dept. Human Biology, we study the processes underlying this muscular decline, and the impact of various exercise and nutritional interventions to combat these detrimental changes, in order to better maintain muscle mass and function, as well as overall health, both in the general (older) population and in specific patient populations. Within the div. Gastroenterology, we focus on the interaction between diet and GI-function to maintain intestinal health.

The current project will evolve around protein digestion and absorption kinetics and muscle mass preservation in both healthy and clinically compromised individuals by complex human intervention studies, and the candidate should have strong communication skills to setup and maintain collaboration with various clinical groups in the hospital.

Main tasks and responsibilities:
We are looking for a PhD candidate with a Medical Degree and with a strong interest and affinity for academic research in the area of GI tract physiology and/or (muscle) protein metabolism, who will be responsible for:

• Contribution to the full project plan (under supervision);
• Setting up and executing actual research studies (writing protocol for ethical clearance, practical preparation for research, subject recruitment, planning and execution of test days, data handling and analyses);
• Writing scientific manuscripts for publication (under supervision);
• Active contribution to other research activities within the research group;
• Setting up and/or maintaining collaboration with various clinical groups at MUMC+;
• Keeping up with relevant scientific literature within the field of study;
• Supervision of research assistants and students, where appropriate;
• Completing a PhD thesis after 4 years.