2 Postdoctoral Researchers in Cell Delivery-Based Beta Cell Replacement Therapy for Type 1 Diabete

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Two Postdoctoral research positions on the development of cell delivery-based beta cell replacement therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

The positions

The MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University is looking for two enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to strengthen the Islets Research Group, led by Dr. van Apeldoorn. Both positions are part of major collaborative projects – the Breakthrough T1D project and the RegMed XB program – aimed at developing innovative beta cell delivery strategies to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Your focus will be on designing and testing islet delivery devices (implants) for future clinical application. These implants aim to improve the transplantation efficiency of donor islets and stem-cell derived islets, offering patients better control of their blood glucose without insulin injections.

• In the Breakthrough T1D project, you will explore how smart drug delivery strategies can enhance cell survival by reducing host tissue responses to the implant.
• In the RegMed XB project, you will focus on clinical translation, combining stem-cell derived islets with the next generation of large-scale implant designs.

Both roles are highly interdisciplinary and invite candidates with expertise in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biomaterials science, or regenerative medicine.

Are you excited to contribute to research with the potential to change the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes? Then we would love to meet you.

What you bring

We are not looking for a checklist, but for passionate researchers who can make a difference. Do you recognise yourself in the following?

• You hold, or are close to obtaining, a PhD in biomedical engineering, biomaterials, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, or a related field.
• You have experience in biomedical and/or regenerative medicine research, preferably demonstrated by a strong publication record.
• You are curious, critical, and creative, with a drive to push boundaries in your research.
• You enjoy working in a team, give and receive feedback openly, and value collaboration in a multidisciplinary setting.
• You are fluent in English, both written and spoken, and confident presenting your work internationally.
• Above all, you are motivated to contribute to the development of a cure for type 1 diabetes.

What we offer

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

• A full-time position (1.0 FTE) at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.
• A 12-month contract, with the possibility of a 12-month extension upon good performance.
• A salary between €3,546 and €5,538 gross per month (scale 10, based on 38 hours per week), depending on experience.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time employment), plus four extra public holidays: Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the possibility of hybrid working.
• A solid pension plan (ABP), access to company fitness, and use of UM’s extensive sports facilities.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development through training programmes and initiatives such as Recognition and Rewards.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, Click here

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we work together to find answers that move the world forward. With over 23,000 students and 5,000 staff members, spread across six faculties and more than 70 institutes, UM is a hub of innovation in the heart of Europe. Here you will find room to grow, to challenge yourself, and to discover new opportunities – for yourself and for society. Because real answers are found together.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).

FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of staff and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught Bachelor and Master's programs in innovative educational concepts, with the emphasis always on building bridges to practice

The multidisciplinary research of FHML focuses on several carefully chosen current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, this also involves research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The various research programmes are organised into six graduate schools and two research institutes.

About MERLN

The MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine is dedicated to developing regenerative strategies that repair, replace, or regenerate tissues. MERLN combines expertise from biomaterials science, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and clinical research. Our institute is highly interdisciplinary and international, with researchers from over 30 countries.

Within MERLN, the Islets Research Group focuses on six themes:

• Bioengineering of beta cell delivery device
• Biomaterials for beta cell replacement therapy
• Islet–extracellular matrix interactions
• Islet immunoprotection
• Biomaterial-less cell delivery strategies
• Clinical translation of type 1 diabetes therapies

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact DR. A. A. van Apeldoorn at a.vanapeldoorn@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Lisa Turcotte (Recruiter) at lisa.turcotte@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc? Apply now, no later than 2 November 2025 for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, contact information of 2 referees, and publication list.

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.