PhD Candidate Bioengineering Autonomic Innervation & Optogenetic Control in 3D Tissue Models

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Help us build the first optogenetically controllable model of sympathetic innervation in engineered 3D tissue, combining stem cell biology, genetic engineering, and advanced imaging. In this PhD project, you will establish iPSC-derived sympathetic neurons within 3D hydrogel-based tissue models and develop electrophysiological recordings to achieve a functional, label-free readout of neuronal activity. Alongside this, you will apply genetic engineering to introduce optogenetic tools, creating complementary optical approaches for stimulation and readout within the same 3D environment.

PhD Candidate: Bioengineering Autonomic Innervation & Optogenetic Control in 3D Tissue Models

• Our goal: The aim of this PhD project is to develop integrated 3D tissue models by combining iPSC-derived sympathetic neurons with hydrogel-based systems, and to establish functional, label-free readouts of neuronal activity using electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches.
• Your colleagues: This position is embedded within our research group (Neural Engineering), part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, which focuses on tissue innervation and combines biofabrication, stem cell biology, genetic engineering, and advanced imaging to build physiologically representative in vitro models of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. You will work closely with the PI and collaborate with colleagues across cell biology, bioengineering, and imaging within the group.

As a PhD candidate, you will pursue two closely integrated aims: establishing an iPSC-derived sympathetic neuron population integrated into our 3D hydrogel-based tissue models, and developing electrode electrophysiological recording within that same 3D environment to provide a functional, label-free readout of neuronal activity. In parallel, you will apply genetic engineering, using our established PiggyBac transposon system, to introduce optogenetic actuators, giving a complementary optical route to stimulation and readout (via genetically encoded calcium indicators and multiphoton imaging) alongside the electrophysiological approach.

What you do
The position includes the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Develop and optimize an iPSC differentiation protocol for sympathetic neurons
• Integrate sympathetic neurons into 3D hydrogel-based tissue models
• Design and implement electrode integration within the 3D hydrogel environment
• Establish and validate electrophysiological recording protocols from the 3D innervated model
• Perform genetic engineering (PiggyBac transposition) to introduce optogenetic actuators
• Characterize innervation patterns and neuronal activity using 3D confocal and multiphoton imaging
• Analyse and interpret electrophysiological and imaging data
• Present findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

You are a curious and independent problem-solver who thrives on tackling open-ended technical challenges. You approach problems with flexibility and creativity, adapting your strategy when needed and exploring alternative solutions rather than relying on a single fixed path. You are comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone and thinking beyond conventional approaches.

You work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly, and take ownership of your work. You are motivated to build, test, and refine experimental and engineering systems, especially in environments where the project scope is still evolving and there is room to shape direction, contribute ideas, and help define the approach.

Furthermore, to be considered for this position, you bring the following:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Prior hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including maintaining mammalian cells on a 2D culture dish and growing cells within a hydrogel
• Experience in a hands-on laboratory or engineering project context where you have had to design and assemble (or even build) your own experimental setup
• Experience in or the willingness and aptitude to learn molecular biology techniques (cloning, transposon-based transfection)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or higher - CEFR)

You are expected to develop the following skills during the PhD; prior experience in these areas is a strong advantage:

• Experience with neural tissue culture and/or iPSC differentiation
• Experience with 3D in vitro culture and Organ-on-Chip fabrication
• Experience with image analysis and/or programming for data analysis
• Experience with electrophysiology or biosensor/device instrumentation or experience with signal analysis and programming is a significant bonus

The following would be an advantage when applying for this position:

• Experience with 3D biofabrication or hydrogel-based tissue engineering

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. 
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours. 
• Flexible working hours.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas. 
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with. 
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities. 
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

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 Neural Engineering Research Group
This position is embedded within the Neural Engineering Research Group focused on tissue innervation — specifically peripheral nervous system interactions with engineered tissue models. The group combines biofabrication approaches with iPSC-derived neurons, genetic engineering (including calcium indicators), and advanced 3D confocal and multiphoton imaging to create physiologically relevant in vitro innervation models, with a growing focus on autonomic (sympathetic) innervation and multi-modal functional readouts. The group is embedded within the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, which specializes in combining fabrication technologies with biology and materials to generate a wide range of engineered tissues.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Paul Wieringa at p.wieringa@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The deadline for submitting your application is 15 September 2026.

If you apply, please upload the following:

• CV
• Motivation letter explaining your motivation for this PhD project, including why this research topic interests you and why you would like to contribute to this project. Please focus on your motivation and interest in the project rather than describing your technical skills and experience. 
• Grade list
• Contact information of 2 referees
• Publication list (if applicable)
• A 2-page research plan describing your proposal for your 4-year project, organized into work packages and deliverables. Include a summary of how this plan builds on your existing skills, which topics and activities you would need to further develop, and how you would approach acquiring the additional knowledge and skills needed to successfully execute the project.

Note: Incomplete applications that do not include all required documents will not be considered.

The first round of interviews preferably take place between Sept 15th and Sept 25th. The second round of interviews will preferably be held in late Sept/early October.

A reference check will be part of the selection process.

The second interview will include an orientation tour and an assessment.

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

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.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

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.