Loading...
September 13, 2025

**Job Description**
This PhD project aims to investigate the underlying causes of reduced exercise capacity and post-exertional malaise (PEM) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The candidate will analyze existing data from Harvard Medical School and collect new data using non-invasive techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to study muscle changes in ME/CFS patients and healthy individuals. The goal is to gain deeper insight into muscle abnormalities linked to exercise limitations and PEM, with the aim of developing and assessing the utility of these non-invasive measurements for detecting muscle changes in clinical research and care, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Strong affinity for both experimental science and advanced data analysis using Matlab and/or Python.
• Deep understanding of muscle exercise physiology and/or human physiology, from the cellular to the whole-body level.
• Knowledge or experience of NIRS, MRI, and high resolution respirometry or wet lab experience (advantageous).
• Experience working with human subjects or patients.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with patients, clinicians, and other researchers.
• Fluent in English, both verbally and in writing.

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Movement Sciences (Exercise Sciences, Sport Sciences or Kinesiology)
• Technical Medicine
• Biomedical Sciences

**Experience**
Other:
• Experience working with human subjects or patients.

Note: We’ve analyzed the actual job post using AI, for more details visit the original job post by clicking on “Apply Now”!

Experience
Other: • Experience working with human subjects or patients.
Work Level
Ph.D
Employment Type
Scholarship
Salary
Annual Salary: € 36,708.00 - € 46,572.00 (gross, increasing over 4 years) Benefits: • 8% holiday allowance • 8.3% end-of-year bonus • Contribution to commuting expenses • Group insurance for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium • Space for personal development • 232 hours holiday leave per year (for a full-time 38-hour working week)
Valid Until
October 2, 2025
Details
Temporary Full-time Duration: Initially 1 year, extendable to a total of 4 years Remote Work: No Location Requirement: Campus-based
School / Department / Center / Lab
• Department of Human Movement Sciences • Physiology Section • Amsterdam UMC
Supervisor(s)
Dr. Melissa Hooijmans Dr. Richie Goulding
Supervisor Email
[email protected] [email protected]
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
View profile

Related Jobs

Other similar jobs that might interest you