PhD Candidate in Programmable Tissue Morphogenesis Powered by Advanced Imaging

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The world is rapidly changing, and we’re growing along with it. At Maastricht University, your work makes a difference – whether you’re exploring the future as a researcher, inspiring students in the classroom, or helping shape everything that makes our education and research possible. 

PhD Candidate in Programmable Tissue Morphogenesis Powered by Advanced Imaging

• Our goal: Advance the field of tissue engineering through innovative biomaterials and imaging technologies – creating self-organizing tissue constructs with real clinical and societal impact.
• Your colleagues: You’ll be part of the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), embedded within the CARIM and MERLN research institutes. Together, we form a multidisciplinary community of experts in bioengineering, materials science, chemistry, and biomedical imaging.

About the position

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to explore and develop new strategies for building complex, functional tissues using advanced engineering tools. You will design and test approaches that combine cell- and compound-encapsulated microspheres, programmable biomaterials, and spatially controlled instructional gradients.

Your work will include designing and optimizing experimental protocols, advancing microfluidic encapsulation methods, testing novel polymer materials, and employing cutting-edge imaging technologies for detailed tissue characterization.

You will work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that encourages scientific curiosity and creative problem-solving. Together with your supervisors and colleagues from CARIM and MERLN, you will contribute to developing bioengineering solutions that make a tangible difference in fields such as Cellular Agriculture and Regenerative Medicine.

Your main tasks will include:

• Designing and executing experimental protocols related to tissue engineering and morphogenesis.
• Developing and optimizing biomaterial testing and microsphere encapsulation methods.
• Performing advanced microscopic imaging and analytical characterization of engineered tissues.
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and analyzing data to inform ongoing research.
• Collaborating effectively across disciplines and contributing to publications and presentations.

Are you ready to help engineer the next generation of programmable tissues? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your perspective, curiosity, and drive. Do you recognize yourself in the following?

• Analytical and adaptable – You combine strong analytical skills with flexibility to thrive in a dynamic academic environment.
• Scientifically rigorous – You approach complex questions with a systematic mindset and a passion for precision.
• Collaborative and communicative – You work well in multidisciplinary teams and communicate clearly across scientific fields.
• Curious and open-minded – You are eager to learn and expand your expertise in new technologies and materials.
• Technically skilled – You bring experience in one or more of the following areas:
  Polymer, microsphere, or biomaterial chemistry and applications
  3D cell culture and tissue engineering methods
  Advanced microscopy (e.g. multiphoton, Stimulated Raman Scattering)
  Image quantification of large data sets
  Academic research documentation and collaboration
• Motivated and engaged – Even if you do not meet every technical requirement, your enthusiasm and willingness to develop new expertise are key.

What we offer

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

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a 3-year extension upon positive evaluation (1.0 FTE).
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,00 and €3881,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time employment) plus four additional public holidays (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day).
• Flexible working hours, a commuting and internet allowance, and hybrid working arrangements where possible.
• The opportunity to build up 12 additional compensation days per year.
• Excellent secondary employment conditions, including a solid pension plan via ABP and access to UM’s extensive sports and wellness facilities.
• Ample room for professional and personal development through a wide range of training programmes.
• A supportive and international research community in the heart of Europe.

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 the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)

At FHML, everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education focus not only on recovery but also on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Together with the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), we combine academic excellence with social impact.

The Department of Physiology (FHML/CARIM) collaborates closely with the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine. Our interdisciplinary research combines bioengineering, materials science, and advanced imaging to develop transformative strategies in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 employees across five regional locations, six faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities – for yourself and for the world around you. Because real answers are found together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Curious?

Would you like to know more about this position or working at Maastricht University?
Feel free to contact Dr. Daniel Molin (d.molin@maastrichtuniversity.nl / +31 (0)43 388 4257) or Dr. Nynke van den Akker (n.vandenakker@maastrichtuniversity.nl
 / +31 (0)43 388 4318).

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 16 November 2025 for this position.

The first interviews preferably take place on 26 November 2025. If necessary, the second interviews will preferably be held on 3 December 2025. All interviews will take place in person at Maastricht University, Department of Physiology. 

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.