MSCA-DN PhD Positions BIO-MICRO: Biomarkers and Intervention Outcomes in Micronutrient Optimization

The BIO-MICRO project

Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies are common in critically ill patients and can significantly delay recovery. Current diagnostic approaches are often insufficient, resulting in largely fixed-dose supplementation rather than personalised treatment. Tailoring MN therapy and improving understanding of their role after ICU discharge may substantially improve patient outcomes. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BIO-MICRO project aims to train research fellows to develop innovative strategies for personalised micronutrient therapy in critically ill patients. The project focuses on reliable assessment of micronutrient status in critically ill patients, identification of patient subphenotypes most likely to benefit from supplementation, and optimisation of treatment timing. Ultimately, BIO-MICRO seeks to reduce mortality, organ dysfunction, and ICU length of stay, while improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.

BIO-MICRO assembles university medical centers (Amsterdam UMC, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, University of Foggia, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin), hospitals and clinical networks (Gelderse Vallei Hospital and the Dutch Burn Care Alliance hospitals), universities and research institutes (Wageningen University and the German National Nutrition Research Institute), diagnostic and industrial partners (Reinier Haga Medical Diagnostic Center, Randox Teoranta, Diagnotix), and the patient organization CMSM.

What we offer

These PhD positions are funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. Successful applicants will be appointed as full-time PhD candidates for a period of 3 to 4 years, depending on the hosting institution. The research project will culminate in the completion of a PhD thesis.

Fellows will receive an attractive salary in accordance with MSCA regulations, which includes the following:

• a living allowance of €4,010 per month,which covers the costs for employment with social security coverage, i.e. gross amount, including compulsory deductions under national law, such as employer and employee social security contributions and direct taxes. A country correction coefficient applies to the living allowance to ensure equal treatment and purchasing power parity.
• a mobility allowance of €710 per month, to cover the personal costs related to the mobility of recruited researchers, such as travel and accommodation;
• a family allowance of €660 per month that aims to compensate additional costs due to family obligations. Having a family at the time of recruitment or acquiring it during the action means that the researcher has persons linked to them by: (i) marriage, or (ii) relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the legislation of the country where this relationship was formalized, or (iii) dependent children who are actually being maintained by the researcher.

In addition to their local PhD training, all 13 research fellows will participate in a comprehensive and attractive educational programme specifically designed for them within the BIO-MICRO consortium. The BIO-MICRO training programme offers a blended learning approach that combines monthly interactive live online sessions (60–90 minutes) with in-person workshops. The online curriculum covers essential topics in clinical research, including epidemiology, biostatistics, observational and clinical trial design, statistical computing, and scientific writing. In addition, four intensive three-day in-person workshops are dedicated to the development of both academic and transferable skills. In addition, all fellows will carry out 12 months of secondments, during which the candidate will be involved in other projects and will be enabled to participate in relevant international scientific conferences. Together, this structured training programme is designed to optimally prepare you for a successful career as a critical care researcher.

What do we expect

We are looking for highly motivated, proactive researchers who can work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment. Strong attention to detail, resilience, and excellent communication skills are essential. All selected candidates will undertake secondments at partner institutions, which may be located in other countries.

Eligibility for this position is subject to compliance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie admission criteria. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment;
• Must fulfil the mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g. work or studies) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months during the three years immediately preceding recruitment.

Further information

Please apply by following the links for each specific vacancy. After an initial selection, candidates will be invited for online interviews with the selection committee. The selection committees are composed of the main and co-supervisors from the primary organization hosting the PhD positions, as well as supervisors from the organizations hosting secondments. As a result, the selection committees are international and intersectoral, including representatives from academia, industry, and private hospitals.

These positions can start as soon as a suitable candidate has been found and all onboarding agreements are in place, but no later than November 2026.

For any questions, please contact bio-micro@amsterdamumc.nl.