MSCA-DN PhD Position: Functional markers of micronutrient status

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in critically ill patients and can delay recovery. Current diagnostics are limited, often relying on fixed-dose supplementation instead of personalised strategies.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions–funded BIO-MICRO project aims to develop functional biomarkers to assess micronutrient status. This research will identify patient subphenotypes most likely to benefit from targeted micronutrient therapy, combining metabolic pathway mapping, LC-MS/ICP-MS measurements, and FAIR semantic data models.

A multicentre, prospective, observational clinical study will include ICU patient samples. Concentration patterns of micronutrients and metabolites will be analysed to link deficiencies with disease type and severity, ultimately enabling predictive modeling for clinical application.

Research Fellowship 3 (RF3): Functional markers of micronutrient status
Duration: 48 months
Supervisors:

• Dr Angelique de Man (Amsterdam UMC)
• Dr Maurits de Rotte (Amsterdam UMC)
• Dr Frans van der Horst (Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center)
• Dr Lennard Dekker (Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center)

As PhD candidate, you will coordinate and perform:

• Mapping metabolic pathways and identifying vitamin/trace element cofactors
• Developing semantic FAIR data models
• LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS method development
• Measuring functional biomarkers in ICU patient samples
• Predictive modeling for clinical application

You will also undertake two intersectoral secondments of six months each in Delft and Appingedam. The project is designed to result in a successful PhD thesis.

We are looking for a motivated and proactive researcher who thrives in interdisciplinary teams, combines strong analytical skills with problem-solving ability, communicates findings clearly, and adapts flexibly to new challenges. The project is expected to result in the successful completion of a PhD thesis.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or analytical chemistry
• Excellent command of English; Dutch is a plus
• Knowledge of metabolic pathway analysis, semantic data modeling, and LC-MS metabolomics
• Commitment to FAIR data principles and translational research

Desirable skills (not essential):

• Experience with scientific or medical writing
• Laboratory experience

Note: Important strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs:

1. You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
2. At the time of the application deadline, you must also have a  Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
3. As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie project, the position includes two intersectoral secondments of six months each at partner organisations in Appingedam and Delft.