PhD Candidate in Supramolecular Hydrogels for Biomaterials

We seek an enthusiastic PhD Candidate with strong polymer chemistry interests to design, synthesize, and characterize novel supramolecular polymeric materials for creating responsive and dynamic biomaterials and bioinks. The ideal candidate will have expertise in organic or polymer synthesis and characterization techniques and an interest in applying these skills to bioengineering challenges. 

Your research focus
This position focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel supramolecular materials with tunable properties for biomedical applications. The successful candidate will:

• Develop new synthetic routes for supramolecular polymers.
• Characterize supramolecular polymer structure-property relationships using advanced analytical techniques.
• Engineer dynamic hydrogel systems with controlled mechanical and chemical properties.
• Design hydrogels and formulations to create injectable, 3D printable, and patternable materials.
• Have opportunities to teach and/or guide students in the laboratory environment.

The supramolecular materials developed will ultimately be applied to create controllable 3D environments for tissue engineering applications ranging from vascularization and osteochondral regeneration to living materials with microbial components.

Scientific Background
Supramolecular materials have incredible potential for recreating life-like materials to interface with living cells, yet their weak mechanical properties and difficulty in controlling dynamics and functionalization limit their use. Our research explores how to tune the dynamics and assembly of supramolecular hydrogels by combining covalent bond formation with supramolecular chemistry principles. We have shown significant breakthroughs in reinforcing supramolecular polymers to create tough materials that allow for 3D fabrication of tissue constructs. We are looking to expand our fundamental understanding of these materials through polymer synthesis and characterization.

Currently, the impact of molecular structure, processing conditions, and reaction mechanisms on supramolecular scaffolds is poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we are looking for a candidate with a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and materials characterization. The ideal candidate will have experience with polymer synthesis techniques, spectroscopic and mechanical characterization methods, and an interest in applying these skills to biomedical challenges.

This work will be a close collaboration within the framework of an ERC Consolidator project (SupraValent), embedded within a multidisciplinary team (BioMatt Group). The fully funded 4-year PhD position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in advanced supramolecular/polymer chemistry while contributing to biomedical innovation.

Key references:

• Laura Rijns, Matthew B Baker, Patricia YW Dankers. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2024, 146, 17539. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c02980 
• Shahzad Hafeez, Monize Caiado Decarli, Agustina Aldana, Mahsa Ebrahimi, Floor AA Ruiter, Hans Duimel, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Louis M Pitet, Lorenzo Moroni, Matthew B Baker. Advanced Materials, 2023, 35, 2301242. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202301242
• Floor AA Ruiter, Francis LC Morgan, Nadia Roumans, Anika Schumacher, Gisela G Slaats, Lorenzo Moroni, Vanessa LS LaPointe, Matthew B Baker. Advanced Science, 2022, 20, 2200543. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200543 

Profile
We are looking for a proactive, creative thinker with a strong chemistry or polymer science background or the motivation to obtain these skills who is interested in working at the interfaces of polymer chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. The ideal candidate should have:

• MSc or equivalent in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Foundation in organic/polymer synthesis techniques.
• Experience with polymer characterization methods (NMR, GPC, rheology, mechanical testing. 
• Interest in applying supramolecular and polymer chemistry knowledge to bioengineering challenges.

The highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project is rooted in chemical and polymer synthesis and will suit an ambitious and passionate candidate who thrives in an open and collaborative environment. Excellent knowledge of scientific English for listening, speaking, reading, and writing are required as it is our working language. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

The successful candidate will join the “BioMatt” group of Dr. Matthew Baker (https://biomattgroup.com/). Working at MERLN means you will join an international network of researchers from ~25 nationalities spanning multiple disciplines. We are a collaborative and interdisciplinary group with diverse expertise, including biomaterials, chemistry, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and cell biology. We work in newly renovated laboratory facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. We have a long history as leaders in the field of tissue engineering and are particularly well-known for our orientation towards translational research. 
 

What we offer
As a PhD Candidate at the 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 according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (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. 
• Moving from abroad? Maastricht University houses employees from across the globe who have successfully navigated the transition of moving to the Netherlands. 
• Candidates who would need to relocate may be eligible for compensation. Employees relocating from abroad may be eligible for the Dutch ‘30% ruling’, a tax advantage which results in a significantly higher net salary. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) and local UM provisions also apply.
• 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.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Matthew Baker m.baker@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.
 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than April 20, 2025 for this position.
 

To apply, please submit: 

• A cover letter including your motivation and your relevant experience
• A CV 
• The names of two people who could provide a reference

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Candidates should expect to hear from us within three weeks of the deadline for applications. Video interviews will be scheduled for short-listed candidates. Those proceeding to the second interview round will be invited to attend an in-person interview. Your travel costs will be compensated.

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.