Phd

The research

The intention is to conduct two studies, using the existing PROCARE2 consortium. This research is being conducted jointly with other UMCs, including Radboud MC, Erasmus MC, UMC Utrecht, Amsterdam UMC, Leiden UMC and Maastricht UMC.

1. Retrospective study into the predictive value of donor-specific antibodies for the occurrence of graft failure.
Objective: to determine the predictive value of donor-specific HLA antibodies for the occurrence of graft failure.
Method: retrospective study of 10,000 kidney transplant patients transplanted between 2006 and 2016, in which immunological and clinical data have now been collected. We aim to analyze the relationship between donor-specific HLA antibodies during transplantation and graft failure. The database will be expanded with rejection data. The ambition is to better predict which patients will develop rejection and what the outcome will be. In addition, we want to investigate the role of non-HLA antibodies on transplant outcome in additional analyses.

2. Prospective study in a national cohort of kidney transplant patients with an increased immunological risk.
Objective: Monitoring the clinical outcome of kidney transplant patients in a prospective study.
Method: In a national prospective study, 200 kidney transplant patients with an increased immunological risk are included. Clinical variables are currently collected from these patients, as well as biomaterials. We want to investigate the outcome of these kidney transplants and link that to various modern immunological assays. These assays will partly be performed in other UMCs. The PhD candidate has a coordinating role in this.

Job description
As a PhD candidate you are partly responsible for setting up and carrying out the research. The tasks include:

• Taking care of data collection, analyses, interpretation and reporting.
• Screening and guidance of patients participating in the prospective study.
• Publishing the research findings in the form of scientific articles that result in a dissertation.
• Participate in scientific meetings.

Work environment

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is located in the city center of Groningen and has more than 12,500 employees, working in teams. The UMCG has an important task and position as a knowledge organization. There is a close connection and interaction between the core tasks of (medical) education, research, patient care and training. Theory and practice are in a direct relationship with each other at all levels in the UMCG. 'Building the future of health' is the mission that underlies all activities at the UMCG.

The UMCG has a sound personnel policy with good employment conditions, many internal training opportunities and various highly rated personnel facilities. A good living environment is at least as important as a pleasant working environment. Groningen is a vibrant university city, while the immediate surroundings offer peace and space.

Within nephrology, the UMCG collaborates with all other teaching hospitals in the north and east of The Netherlands. Nephrology collaborates with various specialties, and you will work in a multidisciplinary team, including students, research nurses, PhD students and post-docs. In addition, you are part of the broader group of nephrology PhD students, consisting of approximately 25 PhD students.

What do we ask

We are looking for a PhD candidate who has the following qualities:

• You have completed a degree in medicine or biomedical sciences and are interested in scientific research.
• You have good communication skills, both oral and written in Dutch and English.
• You can work well together in a multidisciplinary team.
• You have a sense of responsibility.
• You have a proactive and pragmatic working attitude.
• You give presentations at conferences and meetings.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. If required for the position, the UMCG can provide the vaccination. For certain professional groups, a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required upon appointment

What do we offer

• Embedding in an enthusiastic research group with committed supervisors.
• An inspiring academic environment.
• Appointment for a period of 1 year, with the intention to extend thereafter. The duration of the appointment is as long as the PhD program lasts, with an initial duration of 3 years and maximum 4 years.
• Appointment of 36 hours per week.
• Appointment from 01-01-2025 (earlier or later start is possible).
• The salary for a PhD candidate is a minimum of € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month (PRO scale) in the last (potential 4th) year, based on full-time employment.
• In addition, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

Would you like to know more about the project? We are happy to answer your questions!

For questions about the position
If you have any questions about the content of the position, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us.

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