PhD Candidate in Molecular Imprinting and Device Fabrication

We seek a motivated PhD candidate with an MSc and strong background in electrochemistry or engineering. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary project with KU Leuven to develop an electrochemical sensor platform for PFAS detection in environmental and food samples.

PhD candidate in Molecular Imprinting and Device Fabrication at the Sensor Engineering Department

Job Description
This PhD project aims to develop an electrochemical sensory platform using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for detecting polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). MIPs, which mimic antibodies through molecule-specific binding sites created during synthesis, have previously been developed by the SE department for various targets, including some PFAS. The selected PhD student will advance this work by creating a new electrochemical MIP-based detection system and its associated hardware. 

This project addresses the growing need for efficient PFAS detection, as these persistent "forever chemicals" are linked to various health risks including liver damage, cancer, and fertility issues. With increasing EU regulations and scrutiny in land development, our goal is to develop advanced, reliable MIP-based sensors for rapid PFAS identification in environmental analysis, reducing exposure and aiding site assessments.

The Sensor Engineering group at Maastricht University's Faculty of Science and Engineering focuses on innovative sensor solutions across fields like medical diagnostics and food safety. We seek a motivated PhD candidate with a master’s degree in electrochemistry or engineering to join our diverse, interdisciplinary team. Our group combines expertise in sensor technology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering to create practical applications for real-world challenges.

This joint project with KU Leuven (KUL - Belgium) will begin with two years in Maastricht focused on developing and testing the MIPs, followed by two years at KUL dedicated to prototyping and developing the hardware for the analysis platform. The position requires candidates with experience in electrochemistry or engineering, who are also open to gaining expertise in the other area.

As a PhD candidate your tasks include:

• Lead your own research project independently (although supervision by expert researchers will be provided);
• Study literature;
• Develop research plan;
• Experimentation and data processing;
• Biofunctionalization of interfaces;
• Optical and electrochemical transducers;
• 3D printing and device fabrication;
• Scientific Dissemination: writing articles and participating in international conferences;
• Contribute to the teaching activities of the department, mostly as a tutor or lab supervisor.

Requirements
Candidates will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of researchers. This environment values strong communication skills, adaptability, teamwork, and advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Furthermore, we are looking for a candidate with: 

• Master Degree in (electro)chemistry, electronics or engineering (or equivalent);
• Strong interest in material science and interdisciplinary engineering;
• At least B2-level English proficiency (or equivalent);
• Prior experience in molecular imprinting, electrochemistry, interface or sensor engineering are a plus;
• EU-valid driver’s license B is a plus.

What we offer
As PhD candidate at Faculty of Science & Engineering, 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.
• IF PHD - 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 Science and Engineering  
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development.  FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention.  The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).  At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!  
 

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.  

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Bart van Grinsven, Dr. Joseph Lowdon or Kelly Erven for more information:
bart.vangrinsven@maastrichtuniversity.nl
joe.lowdon@maastrichtuniversity.nl 
kelly.erven@maastrichtuniversity.nl 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than 19 October 2025, for this position.

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.