PhD Candidate: Engineering a Next Generation of Miniaturized In Vitro Models

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PhD Opportunity: Engineering a Next Generation of Miniaturized In Vitro Models

Our goal: Develop the next generation of miniaturized in vitro models to advance regenerative medicine.
Your colleagues: A highly interdisciplinary team at MERLN, working within the national MDR consortium.

The project

Since Julius Petri introduced the glass dish that now bears his name, and Steven Boyden developed the Boyden chamber – the forerunner of modern culture inserts – our understanding of engineered cellular microenvironments has advanced tremendously. State-of-the-art approaches now include microwell arrays for 3D cell culture, as well as microfluidic organs-on-chips (OoCs) and microphysiological systems (MPSs) in various forms. The demands on these culture platforms continue to grow – for example, in the field of cystic epithelial organoids, where further development of these in vitro models is needed for applications in pharmacological research and regenerative therapies. Examples of the latest platform developments include freely suspended, thin collagen membranes that serve as biomimetic substrates in compartmentalized culture systems, for instance, to establish epithelial cell barriers.

Within the above context, the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University, is recruiting a PhD candidate. The position is embedded in the Materials-Driven Regeneration (MDR) program and focuses on microengineering the next generation of cell culture platforms. The goal is to develop miniaturized in vitro models that enable more realistic, spatiotemporal cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions as well as distribution of soluble factors.

The Materials-Driven Regeneration program

The Materials-Driven Regeneration (MDR)
 Research Center is a collaboration between:

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht University
• Utrecht University
• University Medical Center Utrecht
• Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology & Stem Cell Research

This consortium was established to advance tissue and organ regeneration approaches through the use of instructive biomaterials. MDR is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science under the Gravitation program of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). Within MDR, an interdisciplinary team of researchers develops new, intelligent materials that stimulate the regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Research activities are structured into three flagship themes, each addressing increasing levels of length scale and structural complexity.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your drive, skills, and ideas. Do you recognize yourself in this?

•    Curious and innovative – You’re motivated to push technological boundaries in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
•    Strong foundation – You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering or a closely related field.
•    Hands-on expertise – You have experience with OoC or MPS technology, computer-aided design, microfabrication and ‑fluidics, culture of human cells, analytical cell and molecular biology techniques, and bioimaging methods.
•    Analytical and proactive – You combine sharp problem-solving skills with a responsible, self-starting attitude.
•    Collaborative by nature – You enjoy working across disciplines and contribute actively to a diverse team.
•    Clear communicator – You write and speak English fluently and can share your findings effectively in publications and presentations.

Are you ready to engineer the future of in vitro models? Then we’d love to meet you.

What we offer
As PhD candidate at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3059,00 and €3881,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

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.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

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 employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
 

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

The MERLN Institute
The MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (https://merlninstitute.com/) strives to maintain a leading position in the field of biomedical engineering by combining creative research with training a generation of interdisciplinary scientists. MERLN’s activities operate at the interface of biology, engineering and medicine to maximize impact at the level of public involvement and the commercialization of research. MERLN’s vision is based on sharing knowledge, infrastructure and ambition.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Roman Truckenmüller (r.truckenmuller@maastrichtuniversity.nl) for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 2 November 2025, for this position.
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation to join our team and highlighting your expertise relevant to the project.
• A well-structured and informative CV, including concise summaries of your BSc and MSc projects.
• Copies of your BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts.
• The names and contact details of at least two references.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within three weeks of the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in brief video interviews. Those advancing to the 2nd round will be invited to attend either an in-person interview or an extended video call.

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.