Fulltime vacatures in Sittard

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you excited about pioneering the future of regenerative medicine? Do you want to work at the crossroads of biomaterials, organoid biology and developmental biology? Join the MERLN Institute and help us shape tomorrow’s biomedical innovations as our new PhD candidate.

PhD Position at the Interface of Biomaterials and Organoid Research

• Our goal: Develop innovative biomaterials and synthetic microenvironments to better understand and guide organoid development.
• Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, and engineers within the MERLN Institute, working closely in the Morphogenetic Micro Engineering laboratory of Dr. Stefan Giselbrecht and the BioMatt group of Dr. Matthew Baker.

Organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells have an impressive ability to self-organize into complex tissue-like structures. These structures offer exciting opportunities to mimic organ development and embryogenesis in vitro. However, current organoid models still only partially replicate natural tissue architecture, often lack maturity, and can show significant variability.

In this PhD project, you will investigate how engineered microenvironments influence organoid formation and development. While soluble biochemical signals have been extensively studied, the role of physical and structural cues in tissue patterning remains less understood. By developing dynamic biomaterials and synthetic extracellular matrices, you will help reveal how spatial and temporal environmental signals guide tissue organization.

Your work will involve designing and applying advanced biomaterial systems including dynamic covalent networks, supramolecular materials, light-responsive systems, and 3D-printable bioinks to create controlled culture environments for organoids and other advanced 3D in vitro models. These in vitro models will allow you to study mechanisms of tissue patterning, morphogenesis, and boundary formation in stem cell-derived models such as kidney organoids, intestinal organoids, and embryo-like structures.

The project has two main aims:

• Understanding organoid patterning – controlling organoid formation from pluripotent stem cells to study signalling centres, cell–cell communication, and tissue boundary formation.
• Engineering dynamic environments – developing responsive biomaterial microenvironments that guide organoid growth and reveal mechanisms of developmental biology.

This PhD position is embedded within a multidisciplinary research environment at MERLN and is part of the international Drive-RM consortium (https://drive-rm.nl/) , which provides additional opportunities for collaboration, training programmes, summer schools, and talent development.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you bring to the team. Do you recognise yourself in the following?

• Academically grounded – You hold (or will soon obtain) a Master’s degree in biomaterials, bioengineering, cell biology, developmental biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Interdisciplinary mindset – You enjoy working at the intersection of materials science and biological systems.
• Curious and creative – You are motivated to explore how engineered materials can influence organ development and tissue formation.
• Collaborative by nature – You thrive in multidisciplinary and international research environments.
• Strong communicator – You have excellent scientific English skills, both spoken and written. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Candidates who have not yet completed their Master’s degree are welcome to apply, provided they clarify the expected completion timeline in their application.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open, and collaborative environment. We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position (1+3 year contract), starting with a one-year contract followed by a three-year extension upon positive evaluation.
• Your salary would be €3.059,- gross per month in the first year and up to €3.881,- gross per month in the fourth year, according to the PhD salary scale.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days per year (full-time) plus four additional university holidays.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid working where the position allows.
• Opportunities for professional development through training programmes and research collaborations within the Drive-RM consortium (https://drive-rm.nl/)
• A close-knit international research community at the MERLN Institute.
• A good pension scheme via ABP, company fitness options, and access to university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU), supplemented by local university provisions.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

About the MERLN Institute
You will join the Morphogenetic Micro Engineering laboratory of Dr. Stefan Giselbrecht and the BioMatt group of Dr. Matthew Baker within the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine.
MERLN brings together an international community of researchers from more than 25 nationalities and a wide range of disciplines. Our teams combine expertise in biomaterials, chemistry, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and cell biology to tackle complex challenges in regenerative medicine. With newly renovated laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, MERLN provides an inspiring environment for interdisciplinary research and translational innovation.

Are you excited about pioneering the future of regenerative medicine and exploring the interface between biomaterials and organoid biology? Then we would love to meet you.

To apply, please upload:

• A motivation letter describing your interest in the project and your relevant experience
• The names and contact details of two referees

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

Application timeline
Candidates should expect to hear from us within a month of the deadline for applications. Video interviews will be scheduled for short-listed candidates. Those proceeding to the second interview round will be invited to attend an in-person interview. Your travel costs will be compensated.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.

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